Recently, India witnessed possibly the largest traffic jam in history. This was primarily heading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This unprecedented congestion reportedly stretched between 200 to 300 kilometres.

Major highways into parking lots filled with vehicles of devotees eager to participate in the world’s largest religious gathering. Many pilgrims found themselves stranded for hours, with some reports individuals were in traffic for up to 48 hours.

Authorities Respond

The situation escalated to such an extent that authorities in Madhya Pradesh had to halt traffic in multiple districts to manage the overwhelming rush. Eyewitness accounts described a 250-kilometre stretch of vehicles immobilized, with some travellers taking 10 to 12 hours to cover just 50 kilometres.

The local police and administration coordinated efforts to provide food, water, and shelter for those affected, highlighting the logistical challenges posed by the sheer number of attendees, which is expected to exceed 40 crore (400 million) visitors during the event.

What Comes Close To This One In History?

While the recent traffic jam in India is remarkable, it is not the only traffic congestion event recorded in history.

Beijing, China (2010)

This infamous traffic jam occurred on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway. Vehicles were for over 60 miles (approximately 97 kilometres) for more than 12 days. Due to road construction and heavy truck traffic. The jam became a symbol of the challenges faced by rapidly growing urban areas.

Los Angeles, USA (2016)

In Los Angeles, a massive traffic jam stretched over 30 miles (approximately 48 kilometres) during peak hours, exacerbated by accidents and roadworks. This incident highlighted the chronic traffic issues faced by one of the busiest cities in the world.

São Paulo, Brazil (2014)

Known for its notorious traffic, São Paulo experienced a jam that reached 295 kilometres (approximately 183 miles) during rush hour, making it one of the longest traffic jams in the city’s history. This event underscored the severe congestion challenges in urban centres.

Mumbai, India (2018)

Mumbai has faced severe traffic congestion, with reports of jams extending over 30 kilometres (approximately 19 miles) during monsoon season. However, these instances do not compare to the scale of the recent Maha Kumbh traffic situation.

In Conclusion

While the traffic jams during the Maha Kumbh Mela in India may be unprecedented in scale and impact, history has seen other traffic congestions that serve as reminders of the challenges posed by large gatherings and urban traffic management.

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