Zubeen Kshetra traffic faced severe disruption in Sonapur on Saturday as thousands of fans travelled to the memorial of late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. Long queues of vehicles were reported on roads connecting Guwahati, Sonapur and Upper Assam.
The congestion came as Assam observed Zubeen Garg’s first death anniversary. Fans and admirers gathered at Zubeen Kshetra to pay tribute to the singer, whose memorial has drawn large crowds during the three-day commemorative programme.
Zubeen Kshetra traffic affects key routes
Traffic movement was particularly affected along the Khanapara-Sonapur route. Vehicles travelling from the Guwahati side towards Kamarkuchi faced significant delays, while traffic from Upper Assam towards Sonapur was also affected.
According to traffic updates reported on Saturday, the journey from the Dispur-Guwahati side to Kamarkuchi, a distance of around 16 to 17 kilometres, was taking nearly one-and-a-half hours amid the congestion. The heavy vehicle flow put additional pressure on roads leading to the memorial site.
The situation also affected regular commuters using the corridor. Therefore, people travelling towards Sonapur had to allow considerably more time for their journeys.
Fans arrive at Zubeen Kshetra
The rise in Zubeen Kshetra traffic followed a steady increase in visitors to the memorial over the past few days. The three-day programme began on September 17 and culminated on September 19, the first death anniversary of Zubeen Garg.
The programme included prayers, cultural activities and religious events. Bhagawat Naam was among the activities planned for the main commemorative day, while a Bhaona performance was scheduled for the evening.
On Saturday, visitors arrived with flowers, photographs and other tributes. Some fans also sang Zubeen Garg’s songs at the venue, reflecting the continuing public interest in his music and legacy.
Traffic teams manage the rush
Traffic personnel were deployed around the affected areas to manage vehicle movement as the number of visitors increased. However, the large volume of vehicles continued to slow traffic on important connecting roads.
The congestion was not limited to people travelling directly to the memorial. Vehicles moving between Guwahati and Upper Assam also encountered delays because of the pressure on the Sonapur corridor.
Meanwhile, transport arrangements had been announced ahead of the event. The Assam State Drivers’ Union said members of the Assam Commercial Drivers’ Association and registered drivers would provide cab services at minimum fares on September 19. The initiative was intended to make travel easier for people attending the memorial programme.
Zubeen Kshetra traffic reflects large turnout
The scale of Zubeen Kshetra traffic highlights the large turnout for the first anniversary observance. Thousands of admirers were expected to visit the memorial during the three-day programme, with people coming from different parts of Assam.
The gathering has also included a range of personal tributes. Fans have travelled to the site, performed his songs and created handmade offerings in his memory. Such activities have continued alongside the official commemorative programme.
The traffic disruption, however, has created difficulties for ordinary motorists using the same routes. With visitors continuing to arrive, delays remained a concern for those travelling towards Sonapur.
Zubeen Kshetra traffic remains a concern
Zubeen Kshetra traffic became a major issue on September 19 as the memorial drew a large number of visitors. The congestion affected the Khanapara-Sonapur corridor and routes linking the venue with Guwahati and Upper Assam.
As the commemorative activities continued, traffic management remained important for both visitors and regular commuters. The situation also underscored the transport pressure that can arise when large crowds converge on the Sonapur memorial site at the same time.
For people travelling through the area, the reported delays made additional travel time necessary. Meanwhile, traffic personnel continued efforts to manage vehicle movement as fans gathered to remember Zubeen Garg on the first anniversary of his death.
One Year After Zubeen Garg’s Death, Fans Gather at Sonapur Memorial Site