For many office workers in busy cities like Noida and Gurugram, traffic jams are a daily headache. People often leave early in the morning, hoping to avoid the usual congestion and make it to work, meetings, or flights on time. But even the worst jams in Delhi-NCR are nothing compared to the colossal gridlock that occurred on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway in 2010—a traffic jam that lasted an astonishing 12 days.
Imagine being stuck in your car for not just a few hours, but for an agonizing 12 days with little to no movement, unable to reach your destination. This was the unfortunate reality for thousands of motorists caught in what became the longest traffic jam in history. The jam stretched more than 100 kilometers, bringing life to a halt for over a week.
The chaos began on August 14, 2010, as roadwork was being carried out on the expressway. Heavy vehicles, including coal-carrying trucks and those transporting construction materials from Mongolia to Beijing, added to the already congested road. The situation worsened when several of these trucks broke down, further blocking the road. What was already a partially closed expressway due to construction became impassable when these trucks, along with their mechanical failures, formed an overwhelming barrier.
As the days passed, the trapped vehicles created an impossible obstacle, leaving thousands of drivers and passengers stranded. With no clear solution in sight, those caught in the jam had to sleep in their vehicles, endure long stretches without food, and simply wait for relief. What started as a minor inconvenience turned into a daily struggle for survival.
In response, authorities quickly began halting traffic on alternative routes. The primary focus was removing the stranded trucks, which allowed traffic to start moving again. However, clearing the expressway was a monumental task, requiring coordinated efforts across several sectors.
After 12 long days, the world’s longest traffic jam was finally cleared on August 26, 2010. Restoring normalcy on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway was an enormous undertaking, emphasizing the immense toll such a traffic crisis can take on both individuals and infrastructure.
