Massive Traffic Jam Hits Delhi-Kolkata Highway in Bihar, Vehicles Stuck for Days

Thousands of commuters and truck drivers have been trapped in a massive traffic jam on the Delhi-Kolkata highway near Sasaram and Rohtas in Bihar. The gridlock, stretching 15 to 20 kilometres, has persisted for four days. Vehicles are moving at a snail's pace, causing frustration among those stuck. The chaos began after heavy rains hit Rohtas district last Friday, leading to severe waterlogging and potholes.

The National Highway 19, which runs from Agra in Uttar Pradesh to Dankuni in West Bengal, is part of the historic Grand Trunk Road. This route is crucial for both domestic and international trade as it connects several key cities and crosses the Ganga River multiple times. It is also included in the Asian Highway Network (AH1) and the Golden Quadrilateral.

Impact on Commuters

Commuters and truck drivers have been stranded without food or water for days. Sanjay Singh, a truck driver from Kolkata, shared his ordeal: "Have been stuck in traffic jams for two days. We are hungry and thirsty and in a miserable state. Even covering a few kilometres is taking hours." He managed to cover only 20 kilometres in 24 hours.

The ongoing road-widening work near Shivsagar by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has exacerbated the situation. Heavy rains three days ago halted construction work, reducing available road space. Vehicles now pass through a narrow temporary diversion, creating heavy bottlenecks.

Business Disruptions

The jam has severely affected businesses as well. Drivers carrying perishable goods fear losing their cargo due to delays. Pedestrians, ambulances, emergency services, and tourists struggle to navigate the congested stretch. The traffic jam extends all the way to Aurangabad, nearly 65 kilometres from Rohtas.

Despite paying tolls and taxes, commuters report little assistance from local authorities or NHAI officials on the ground. One trucker expressed frustration: "In the past 30 hours, we have travelled only seven kilometres... There are no NHAI officials or local authorities on the ground."

Authorities' Response

NHAI Project Director Ranjit Verma declined to comment on the situation when approached by NDTV. The lack of intervention from both NHAI and the construction company responsible for highway expansion has left commuters feeling abandoned.

This traffic jam highlights significant challenges faced by infrastructure projects during adverse weather conditions. As vehicles inch forward slowly, it remains uncertain when normalcy will return to this vital transport corridor.