Massive traffic jam on national highway; vehicles stuck for four days, passengers in agony

NEW DELHI: It has been four days since vehicles got stuck in a massive traffic jam on the Delhi–Kolkata National Highway in Bihar. The congestion began last Friday after heavy rain lashed the Rohtas district, causing waterlogging on several roads. Potholes and damaged stretches have made the situation worse.

The traffic jam stretches from Rohtas to Aurangabad, a distance of about 65 kilometres. Vehicles are moving extremely slowly, covering only around five kilometres in 24 hours. Locals allege that the authorities have taken no effective steps to resolve the crisis. According to travellers, neither the National Highway Authority nor the road construction company have taken action to clear the congestion.

"We've managed to move only seven kilometres in the last 30 hours. We are forced to remain stuck here for hours despite paying tolls and other charges. No officials from the NHAI or the construction company have visited the spot," said Praveen Singh, a truck driver stranded on the road.

Another driver, Sanjay Singh, complained that many have been trapped for days, suffering from hunger and thirst. Along with heavy vehicles, pedestrians, ambulances, and tourists are also caught in the jam, facing severe difficulties.