No way out, hundreds from state stranded without food, shelter
Times of India | 31 January 2025
12 Kolkata: Hundreds of pilgrims from Bengal are stranded in and around Prayagraj even as trains and buses have been cancelled and roads are choked with vehicles in the aftermath of the stampede at Kumbh on Wednesday. While many are stuck on the road leading to the Grand Trunk Road for hours, scores of others are struggling to find transport as their hotel bookings have run out, forcing them to stay in the open. Scores of others spent Wednesday night in their vehicles and are preparing for a prolonged ordeal.
Ultadanga resident Jaydeep Hazra, 24, is at wit's end on what to do. Enthused by infectious reels and posts on the multitudes taking a dip, he had set off on the eleventh hour trip to Mahakumbh with friends on Monday. The dip complete, they are now stuck in Prayagraj with the possibility of a train ride to Kolkata appearing remote. He isn't sure if he should attempt travelling via any other city.
"So long as we are in Prayagraj, at least there is no problem with food due to the free meals that are served. But after hearing horror stories from those who have hit the road, I am not sure if we should attempt to be adventurous or simply bide our time here till the situation improves. We are praying that we are able to somehow return to Kolkata," said Hazra, whose voice has gone hoarse from the bad cold he has contracted.
The ripples of the stampede at Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday could be felt far and wide with hundreds of vehicles heading for the dip stranded en route for hours. "We were travelling in a car and it was stranded for what seems an eternity at a spot between Patna and Varanasi. It was perhaps because entry into Prayagraj had been suspended for several hours following the stampede," said a weary Rajesh Singh from Howrah.
Those travelling in cars were forced to spend Wednesday night in their vehicles since most hotels along the roads leading to the highway are either packed or have shut down. Even food has been scarce since shops, eateries, and dhabas are running out of stock. Shops and eateries along the road have been swarmed by starved pilgrims on their way back. Hundreds have been streaming into them from stranded vehicles and practically snatching away whatever they can lay their hands on, said Ramkumar Das, a resident of Amtala. Four pieces of puri are selling for Rs 100 at some eateries, said Das. "But they are being snatched away by hungry travellers. Shop owners say they have even run out of LPG to cook," said Magan Debi, a Gorakhpur resident.