Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The massive jam at MP-UP border in Rewa district ended on Thursday, following Prayagraj administration lifting restrictions on entry of vehicles.

Around 1.5 lakh vehicles remained stuck on Rewa-Prayagraj Highway following Uttar Pradesh Government stopping entry into Prayagraj district in the early hours of Wednesday.

The decision was taken following a stampede at Maha Kumbh area, which led to 30 deaths.

The vehicles included cars, jeeps, buses carrying lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal etc.

Sohagi Ghati, Chak Ghat, Jognihai Toll Plaza and Jhiriya Toll Plaza of Rewa were choc-o-bloc with vehicles. The jam extended for over 1.5 km.

People had to face problems in getting water and food. They said that they are spending the night hungry and thirsty. Food packets were distributed but they were insufficient. Camps were set up at some places but they were too crowded. Collector Rewa Pratibha Pal told Free Press that all stranded vehicles have been allowed to proceed following a green light by Prayagraj administration. 

She said that around 50k devotees travelling in around 7k vehicles were stuck at Rewa border. ‘We tried to help them as much as possible but when a large number of people get stuck in the middle of the road, some inconvenience is inevitable’ she said, adding that ‘besides administration, local people and organisations also arranged food and water for them. Serving pilgrims is ‘punya’ (holy).