Heads up, commuters and travelers! If your route takes you through Bijnor, there’s a major disruption you need to know about. Heavy monsoon rains have caused the Malan River to swell to dangerously high levels, completely flooding a critical section of the Bijnor-Delhi-Pauri Highway (NH-34). As a result, the highway is completely shut down for all vehicles except two-wheelers for the next five days. This road closure is causing significant traffic disruption, and anyone planning a journey on this route should take note.
This isn’t just a simple traffic jam; it’s a serious safety issue. The flooding has submerged entire stretches of the highway, making it impassable and dangerous for most vehicles.
What’s Happening on the Ground in Bijnor
The continuous monsoon rainfall has led to both the Malan River and the Ganga River rising dramatically. The confluence of these rivers near Brahampuri village has caused severe flooding that has inundated farmlands and homes in over two dozen nearby villages.
- Highway Submerged: Sections of the NH-34 near Bijnor are underwater, making it impossible for cars, buses, and trucks to pass.
- Two-Wheelers Only: Due to narrow diversions and unstable road patches, authorities are only allowing two-wheelers to pass through under strict regulation. This exception is temporary and is being closely monitored to ensure safety.
- Traffic Chaos: The road closure has completely disrupted traffic flow between Bijnor and Mirapur, leading to massive traffic jams and causing travel times to skyrocket.
Your Essential Travel Advisory: Navigating the Disruption
If you’re a commuter or traveler affected by this Malan River flooding, here’s what you need to know to stay safe and on schedule:
- Postpone Unnecessary Travel: The best advice is to avoid the Bijnor-Delhi-Pauri Highway (NH-34) entirely for the next five days unless absolutely necessary.
- Check Alternate Routes: Authorities recommend rerouting your journey via Meerut, Hapur, and Moradabad to bypass the affected stretch. This is especially critical for heavy and commercial vehicles.
- Stay Informed: Follow local district administration advisories and traffic bulletins for the latest updates on the road closure and flood situation.
- Be Weather Aware: The monsoon is unpredictable. Be prepared for changing floodwaters and keep an emergency kit with you if you must travel.
Must Read: Red Alert for Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh: Essential Travel Advisory & Latest Updates
What’s Next: Recovery & Long-Term Solutions
District officials have deployed emergency response teams to monitor the water levels and the structural integrity of the highway. A full reopening of the Bijnor-Delhi-Pauri Highway will only happen once the floodwaters recede and the road is certified safe.
However, this recurring monsoon crisis highlights a bigger problem. Residents and experts are calling for long-term solutions to prevent this annual flooding, including:
- Strengthening Embankments: Making the riverbanks more robust to withstand heavy rains.
- Improved Infrastructure: Building permanent bridges and better drainage systems to handle the monsoon downpour.
- Early Warning Systems: Implementing better flood monitoring to give residents and travelers ample time to prepare.
Final Thoughts
The Malan River flooding and subsequent road closure on the NH-34 are causing more than just a headache for commuters; they are a stark reminder of the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of nature’s fury. While authorities work to manage the current crisis, it’s clear that a more permanent solution is needed to protect residents and ensure the reliable flow of traffic.
For now, the message is simple: stay safe, check for updates, and if you can, postpone your journey. The road ahead may be clear, but the Malan River is a reminder that in the monsoon, caution is the best travel plan.
