Diwali shopping chaos: five-kilometre traffic jam cripples Delhi highway

Approximately five kilometres of traffic congestion built up on National Highway-24 outside Ghazipur flower market in the lead-up to Diwali, overwhelming the region's transportation infrastructure during the festive season's peak shopping period.

Despite administrative efforts to facilitate purchasing within the market premises, the congestion persisted throughout the day, leaving motorists and shoppers stranded for extended periods. The gridlock created significant hardship for commuters attempting to navigate the heavily trafficked corridor.

Emergency services were among the worst affected by the disruption. Ambulances and hearses remained stuck in the queue for hours, raising concerns about the ability to respond to urgent medical situations and other critical emergencies. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in managing vehicular flow during high-traffic periods at major commercial hubs in the National Capital Region.

Authorities have not yet announced specific measures to prevent similar disruptions during the remainder of the Diwali shopping season or for future festive periods.