On June 26–28, 2025, an unprecedented traffic gridlock gripped the Indore–Dewas highway for over 32 hours. What should have been a brief commute turned into a nightmare for thousands of passengers as the jam stretched across 8 kilometers. This wasn’t just a minor delay—it turned tragic, with three lives lost due to the sheer helplessness of being stranded.
The victims included:
- Kamal Panchal, 62-year-old farmer from Bijalpur, who succumbed to a heart attack while stuck.
- Balram Patel, 55, a cancer patient, whose oxygen cylinders depleted during the jam.
- Sandeep Patel, 32, a security guard, also died due to a cardiac episode while immobilized.
These deaths highlight the tragic consequences of poor infrastructure planning and administrative inaction.
What Caused the Deadly 32-Hour Traffic Jam?
Several critical factors combined, leading to one of the worst highway traffic crises the region has seen:
Ongoing Construction on a Critical Bypass
The highway near Arjun Baroda was undergoing a major bridge and overpass expansion. With no clear alternatives in place, traffic was diverted onto incomplete or damaged service roads. Absence of signage and proper guidance further worsened the chaos.
Heavy Monsoon Downpour
Between June 26 and 27, the region received more than 46 mm of rain. The service roads, already narrow and damaged, were soon flooded. Vehicles, especially two-wheelers and small cars, began breaking down due to water-logging and potholes.
No Alternate Diversions
Despite prior weather warnings, no functional alternate route was arranged. The massive volume of vehicles—including commercial trucks, passenger buses, and emergency vehicles—had no escape route. Emergency lanes became congested beyond use.
Lack of On-ground Supervision
Even 12 hours after the jam began, eyewitnesses claimed no visible administrative or traffic management personnel were present. Passengers were left to navigate the crisis themselves, without guidance or relief support.
Victims' Stories: A Tragedy in Detail
Kamal Panchal (62), Bijalpur
Kamal, a farmer, had just delivered grain in Dewas and was returning home. Trapped for hours, he suffered a heart attack. His family tried arranging transport using nearby travelers' vehicles, but by the time they reached the hospital, he was declared dead.
Balram Patel (55), Shujalpur
Balram, traveling to Indore for cancer treatment with his son, ran out of oxygen as cylinders emptied. Despite CPR attempts and assistance from strangers, he could not be saved. His death shook many stranded commuters.
Sandeep Patel (32), Gari Pipalya
Sandeep, returning from a night shift, fainted due to low blood pressure. He remained unconscious for over an hour without any medical aid. Efforts to revive him failed, and his life was lost on the way to help.
Emergency Response: Too Late, Too Slow
Following widespread media outrage, emergency actions were finally taken. Indore District Collector Asheesh Singh ordered multiple relief measures:
- Repair of Service Roads: Paver blocks were installed and potholes filled within 24 hours.
- Quick Response Teams: Consisting of police, municipal workers, and home guards, these teams distributed water and assisted with breakdowns.
- Traffic Diversions: New temporary paths like Nemawar Road via Devguradia were opened to relieve pressure.
- Monitoring Cells: Control rooms used GPS and CCTV to manage traffic updates in real time.
Though these measures eased the jam by the evening of June 28, critics say the response came far too late to prevent the tragedy.
How the Monsoon Worsened the Chaos
Indore’s faulty drainage and planning added to the problem. Water had no outlet, pooling over roads. Key issues included:
- Uncleared drains clogged with garbage and plastic waste.
- Uneven and low-lying roads which became mini water reservoirs.
- Heavy vehicles skidding in the mud and blocking entire lanes.
Visibility dropped. Direction boards fell due to rain. Drivers, unfamiliar with the area, made wrong turns, adding to the confusion.
Traffic Data and Logistical Impact
- Vehicles Trapped: Over 4,000 including:
- 1,000 trucks
- 600 private buses
- 200 ambulances and emergency vans
- Estimated Economic Loss: ₹10–15 crore, primarily due to perishables rotting in transit.
- Fuel Waste: Nearly 40,000 liters wasted in idling vehicles.
- Medical Delays: At least 14 cases of delayed ambulances reported to local media.
Long-Term Plans Announced
Under pressure from citizens and opposition, the administration has committed to the following:
- Fast-track Overpass Work: New deadline set for October 2025.
- Service Road Expansion: Width increased from 4 m to 7 m for smoother movement.
- Drainage Redesign: ₹5 crore project initiated for proper water outlets.
- Smart Surveillance: Solar-powered camera poles to be installed every 2 km.
- Alert System: SMS-based early warnings for monsoon jams, launching in August.
Public and Political Reactions
The tragedy triggered widespread anger:
- Congress staged a protest at the NHAI office in Indore.
- BJP MP Shankar Lalwani announced that night shifts would be added to accelerate repair work.
- Citizens uploaded dozens of viral videos showing stranded infants, elders, and sick travelers.
“This wasn’t just a jam; it was a failure of governance,” said Ritu Sharma, a commuter stuck for 11 hours with her two small children.
FAQ Section
1. What was the exact stretch affected by the jam?
The jam stretched from Mangliya bypass to Arjun Baroda toll plaza, covering nearly 8 km.
2. Could this have been prevented?
Yes. Proper planning, alternate diversions, and clear communication could have saved lives and reduced suffering.
3. How did people manage food or toilets?
Locals helped by distributing water bottles and biscuits. However, sanitation remained a major concern, especially for women and children.
4. Is there any compensation announced?
While the opposition has demanded ₹1 crore compensation per death, the state government has not confirmed any official relief package yet.
5. Are there still delays on the route?
Traffic has improved, but some delays and diversions remain due to continuing rains and repair work.
Conclusion
The 32-hour traffic crisis on the Indore–Dewas highway was not merely an inconvenience—it was a tragic event exposing the cracks in infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness, and governance. As voices grow louder for accountability and reform, only time will tell if this wake-up call brings lasting change.
Lives were lost, lakhs suffered, and crores wasted. The least we can do is learn from it—and act before it repeats.
Report by Toofan Express