Patna: A massive traffic jam stretched for 50 kilometers in Bihar after Uttar Pradesh authorities imposed a ban on the entry of heavy vehicles from the state. The congestion, which primarily affected Kaimur, Patna, and surrounding areas, led to vehicles being stranded for hours, forcing people to walk long distances under the scorching Sun. The impact of the jam was also felt in urban areas, where normal traffic movement was severely disrupted.
The traffic bottleneck was triggered by the ongoing Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela, which has already been in the headlines due to severe congestion on various routes. Thousands of vehicles, including those of devotees, emergency services, and trucks loaded with goods, were stuck in long queues at the UP-Bihar border. In Patna, key roads, including the New Bypass, were completely choked, with a massive jam from Zero Mile to Sipara. The traffic situation worsened due to the diversion of heavy vehicles towards Masaurhi, leaving ambulances and even officials’ vehicles stuck in the gridlock.
In Kaimur, NH-19, which connects Delhi to Kolkata, witnessed extreme traffic congestion after UP’s decision to restrict entry. The jam extended for 50 kilometers, with vehicles barely moving throughout the night. Many heavy trucks, particularly those carrying sand, were seen in the queue, making it difficult for regular commuters and pilgrims traveling to the Maha Kumbh. Reports also suggest that the congestion in Bihar worsened due to the large number of wedding-related vehicles on the roads.
The Patna-Shahabad road, connecting Bihta to Ara and Chhapra, also faced severe gridlock. Vehicles heading to and from the Maha Kumbh, combined with heavy truck movement, made the situation unmanageable. The 26-km stretch from Bihta to Ara took nearly six hours to cover, with people struggling even to walk through the jam-packed roads. Throughout the day, heavy traffic remained a challenge in Patna, as vehicles moved at a snail’s pace in several parts of the city.
