World · India Bureau
Diwali shopping surge chokes Delhi-NCR roads with severe traffic congestion
Major traffic jams have gripped Delhi and the National Capital Region as residents throng markets ahead of Diwali festivities. Key routes including the Ghazipur flower market and NH-24 have been severely impacted by the surge in shoppers and flower vendors.
LSN India ·
The Delhi-NCR region has witnessed significant traffic disruptions as preparation for Diwali drives thousands of shoppers onto city roads. The congestion has persisted even after Dhanteras, with popular shopping destinations overwhelmed by festive-season crowds seeking flowers, decorative items and festival supplies.
Several critical traffic corridors have been particularly affected by the seasonal rush. The Ghazipur flower market, a major wholesale hub, has emerged as a congestion hotspot alongside NH-24, Pankha Road and Janakpuri, where movement has slowed to a crawl during peak hours. The heavy footfall at these locations has created bottlenecks that have reverberated across the broader road network.
The surge reflects the traditional rush preceding India's biggest festival, with flower vendors and retail establishments struggling to handle the volume of shoppers. Authorities have reported that essential movement across several routes has been substantially compromised, as commercial and personal vehicles compete for limited road space. The congestion is expected to continue in the run-up to Diwali celebrations.