Patna: Huge traffic jam on Mahatma Gandhi Setu a routine affair

PATNA: There seems to be no respite for the commuters shuttling between the state capital and north Bihar by crossing the dilapidated Mahatma Gandhi Setu on the Ganga. Even on Monday, there was long traffic jam on both sides of the bridge — Gaighat on southern side and Hajipur in Vaishali on northern side.
A number of vehicles, including those carrying passengers, remained stuck for four hours since morning. The traffic personnel, however, claimed the rush of vehicles was more for it being a Monday. “The number of office-goers happens to be more on Monday compared to other days in the week,” a police officer posted at the Gaighat traffic post said.
On the contrary, overloaded trucks carrying sand and iron rods were allowed to cross the dilapidated bridge from both sides. On Hajipur side, the traffic jam started at Ramashish Chowk. People travelling in cars were left to fend for themselves.
The commuters said the problem has compounded following closure of the pontoon bridge. “Though nationwide lockdown ended in May, the pontoon bridge has not been opened for small vehicles. As a result, the flow of vehicles has increased on the bridge. The rehabilitation work is still going on the western flank of the bridge,” said Bimal Kumar, a daily commuter.