65-Km Standstill: Delhi-Kolkata Highway Becomes a Parking Lot After Four Days of Flooding

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 900 Views

A severe traffic jam of nearly 65 km on the Delhi-Kolkata National Highway (NH-19) in Bihar’s Rohtas district has left hundreds of vehicles stranded for four days following heavy rainfall. Waterlogging, potholes, and ineffective relief efforts have caused vehicles to barely move, severely impacting commuters, transporters, and emergency services.

The Delhi-Kolkata highway, a crucial artery for commerce and travel connecting major cities and states, has been choked due to intense downpours last week. The resulting floods submerged diversion lanes and service roads constructed as part of ongoing six-lane expansion work by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Consequently, a massive 65-km-long queue has formed from Rohtas to Aurangabad, immobilizing trucks, buses, cars, and motorcycles.

Vehicles are reportedly covering just 5 to 7 km in over 24 hours, creating harsh conditions for drivers and passengers. Many stranded commuters face food and water shortages, with no visible relief or intervention from highway authorities or local administration. Emergency vehicles and tourists are also caught in the prolonged standstill, exacerbating the crisis.

Key highlights:

Heavy rain last Friday flooded diversion routes on NH-19 causing 65 km traffic jam.
Hundreds of vehicles stuck for four days, stretching from Rohtas to Aurangabad in Bihar.
Only 5-7 km distance covered in 24+ hours, leaving drivers and passengers distressed.
Potholes and waterlogging worsened road conditions, making traffic movement hazardous.
Local drivers reported lack of food, water, and support amid long wait times.
Minimal action or communication from NHAI and local officials, causing frustration.
NH-19 is a part of the historic Grand Trunk Road and Asian Highway Network (AH1).
Economic impact significant as road is vital for domestic trade and cross-border transit.
Road widening construction work hampered by rains, contributing to bottlenecks.

This ongoing traffic chaos underscores urgent need for infrastructural resilience, effective crisis management, and proactive administration to prevent further hardships and losses on this vital highway.

Sources: Economic Times, NDTV, India Today, The Daily Jagran

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