A massive traffic jam on the Delhi-Kolkata National Highway left thousands of commuters stranded for hours today, causing significant disruption to travel and commerce along one of India’s busiest transportation corridors.
The gridlock, which stretched for several kilometers, began early this morning near the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border and continued well into the afternoon. Witnesses reported that vehicles were moving at a crawl, with many travelers stuck in their cars for more than 4-5 hours.
Causes of the Jam
Authorities attribute the massive congestion to multiple factors including ongoing road construction work, a minor accident involving a heavy goods vehicle, and increased festive season traffic. The highway, officially known as NH-19, is a critical artery connecting eastern and northern India.
Local police and traffic management teams were deployed to manage the situation, but the sheer volume of vehicles made it challenging to clear the bottleneck quickly. Emergency services faced difficulties reaching those in need due to the congestion.
Impact on Travelers
Commuters expressed frustration over the lack of advance warning and alternative route information. Many travelers, including families with children and elderly passengers, were left without access to basic amenities like food and water during their ordeal.
Truck drivers transporting perishable goods reported significant losses due to the delay. The jam also affected medical emergencies, with ambulances struggling to navigate through the congested highway.
Official Response
Highway authorities have assured travelers that measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. They have announced plans to improve traffic management systems and provide better real-time updates through digital platforms.
The situation was brought under control by evening, but officials warn that travelers should expect continued delays in the coming days as repair work continues on the affected stretch of the highway.
