World · India Bureau
Massive Traffic Snarls Hit Badrinath Pilgrimage Route
Thousands of pilgrims heading to the revered Badrinath shrine are facing extended delays as vehicles jam key stretches of the mountain highway. Authorities have deployed traffic management teams across multiple locations to ease congestion.
LSN India ·
Pilgrims traveling to the Badrinath Dham shrine in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district encountered severe traffic disruptions as a surge in visitor numbers overwhelmed the limited road capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. Vehicles were backed up for several kilometers on the winding mountain route, with some devotees reporting delays of several hours during their journey to the temple.
The congestion reflects the mounting pressure on infrastructure during peak pilgrimage season, when thousands of devotees attempt to reach the 10,000-foot altitude shrine. Police and administrative officials stationed themselves at multiple junctions and bottleneck locations to monitor vehicle flow and prevent complete gridlock.
Local authorities implemented traffic regulation measures including staggered entry protocols and vehicle movement coordination. Officials urged pilgrims to start their journeys early in the morning to avoid peak-hour congestion and advised visitors to check road conditions before departing.
The Badrinath shrine, one of Hinduism's four most sacred pilgrimage destinations, witnesses significant visitation during summer months when mountain passes become accessible following winter closures. Authorities continue assessing measures to manage the persistent traffic challenges on the arterial route serving the shrine and other Himalayan destinations in the region.