A march by hundreds of advocates to Vidhan Bhavan in Lucknow caused a traffic gridlock lasting nearly two hours on Saturday, disrupting movement across Hazratganj, Kaiserbagh, Parivartan Chowk and adjoining areas, according to a report by the Times of India. Police barricaded major roads leading to the Assembly complex as the protesters pressed for the implementation of an Advocates’ Protection Act.
The march began around noon from the district court premises in Kaiserbagh. The advocates moved through Parivartan Chowk, KD Singh Babu Stadium, Halwasiya and Hazratganj before heading towards Vidhan Bhavan. The resulting restrictions affected several important roads in central Lucknow and left hundreds of vehicles stranded.
The Burlington-Hazratganj stretch was among the worst affected. Traffic accumulated along the road connecting Burlington Crossing, Vidhan Bhavan, Hazratganj Crossing and Shriram Tower. Movement was also restricted between Halwasiya and Hazratganj Crossing, as well as towards the General Post Office area.
Vehicles approaching Hazratganj from the Raj Bhavan side were stopped from entering the area. With several central routes restricted, commuters were diverted to alternative roads, leading to heavy congestion at Halwasiya, Hazratganj and Novelty Crossing.
The disruption affected people travelling for work, medical appointments and onward journeys. Office-goers, hospital visitors and passengers trying to catch trains were among those reported to have faced delays. The incident also highlighted the mobility pressure created when movement is restricted around Lucknow’s central administrative and commercial areas.
Anurag Singh, who was travelling from Charbagh to his office on Park Road, said the journey normally takes about 20 minutes but took him more than an hour during the disruption. Sameen Rizvi, travelling from Gomti Nagar to Jhalkari Bai Hospital, said she had to leave her cab and walk the remaining distance.
The march was organised to press for the implementation of an Advocates’ Protection Act. The report did not specify the duration of the road restrictions or whether the protesters were granted a meeting with officials at Vidhan Bhavan. Further movement arrangements will depend on police deployment and any additional demonstrations around the Assembly complex.
