Patna: Patna’s urban traffic system came to a grinding halt on Saturday as thousands of vehicles flooded the JP Ganga Path—popularly known as Marine Drive—creating a gridlock stretching over five kilometres.
The congestion, which affected two major lanes, was sparked by the influx of attendees travelling to the city’s Gandhi Maidan for the Waqf Bachao, Samvidhan Bachao Conference. Many vehicles were haphazardly parked along the route, further compounding the problem and leaving daily commuters and local residents stranded for hours.
In a public appeal, Traffic Superintendent of Police Aparajit Lohan urged citizens to stay away from Marine Drive for the day, particularly avoiding the area for leisure visits. “In light of the large crowd expected for the rally, all food stalls and entertainment kiosks along Marine Drive have been directed to remain closed on June 29,” Lohan said.
Marine Drive, a relatively new and scenic stretch by the Ganga, has become a popular evening destination for families and walkers. However, with road access severely restricted and local vendors shuttered, the usually vibrant spot remained inaccessible for most of the day.
