Patna: A fresh wave of traffic chaos hit Mahatma Gandhi Setu on Friday morning, once again causing serious trouble for people travelling between North Bihar and Patna. The bridge, one of the most important road links in the state, saw a huge traffic jam on the western lane from Hajipur to Patna. The congestion started around 7am and continued for nearly two hours, leaving thousands of people stranded during the busiest part of the day. Office workers, school students and daily labourers were among those most affected.
The problem began near Pillar No. 27, where traffic started slowing down before coming to a complete stop. Within minutes, vehicles lined up for nearly two kilometres. Buses carrying passengers, heavy trucks, auto-rickshaws, private cars and motorcycles all remained stuck on the bridge. Many commuters said they were unable to move for a long time and watched the queue grow as more vehicles entered the bridge. Some office workers said they missed important meetings, while school buses carrying children were delayed during morning classes.
As the traffic worsened, many people decided they could no longer wait. Labourers travelling to Patna for work were seen getting off the road and using the footpath to cross the bridge. Some carried bicycles on their shoulders, while others pushed them by hand as they walked. Long lines of pedestrians could be seen moving along the bridge beside the stationary vehicles. Workers said reaching Patna on time is essential for earning their daily wages, and the repeated traffic jams are making their journey stressful and unreliable.
Local residents and drivers blamed the ongoing construction and road widening work near the Patna side of the bridge. They said the road has become narrow in many places, and vehicles are forced into a single lane, which causes heavy congestion during peak hours. People living in nearby areas said this is no longer an occasional issue but a regular problem. They have demanded that the administration and the agency working on the bridge create a better traffic plan during construction. Many said the bridge is the lifeline of North Bihar, and repeated traffic jams are making everyday life harder for thousands of people who depend on it.
