Did You Know the World’s Longest Traffic Jam Stretched Over 100 Kms? Watch How Commuters Were Stranded for 12 Days
Traffic jams are an everyday nuisance, but imagine being stuck in one that lasts not just hours, but days. Now, think bigger—what if it stretched over 100 kilometers, moving at a snail’s pace of just one kilometer per day? Sounds impossible, right? But this actually happened at World’s Longest Traffic Jam.
This traffic jam was so extreme that it made global headlines, and the people trapped in it endured hardships that seem unimaginable today. But where did it happen? What caused it? And how did commuters survive? Keep reading as we unravel the incredible story of the world’s longest traffic jam.
The Most Unbelievable Traffic Jams in History
Before we get to the infamous 12-day gridlock, let’s take a look at some of the worst traffic jams recorded in history:
- France, 1980: The Guinness World Record for the longest traffic jam by distance goes to a 176-kilometer-long congestion between Lyon and Paris on February 16, 1980.
- Germany, 1990: The fall of the Berlin Wall led to an 18-million-car traffic jam along the East-West German border on April 12, 1990.
- Brazil, 2009: São Paulo experienced a massive 292-kilometer-long traffic jam in June 2009, caused by a combination of rush-hour traffic and rain.
- Prayagraj, India 2025: The roads leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj turned into a sea of stranded vehicles over the weekend, with a massive traffic jam stretching up to 300 kilometers.
But none of these compare to what happened in China in 2010, where not just the distance but the duration of the traffic jam set it apart.
The Jam That Brought a Highway to a Standstill
This historic event unfolded in August 2010, on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway (China National Highway 110). While Beijing is no stranger to traffic congestion, this particular jam went down in history because of its sheer length and the time it took to clear.
Why Did This Traffic Jam Happen?
A perfect storm of factors led to this unprecedented gridlock:
- Infrastructure issues: The expressway was still under construction, reducing the number of usable lanes.
- Unusual truck traffic: A surge in coal and construction material transport from Mongolia to Beijing flooded the highway.
- Poor traffic management: Without proper regulation, more vehicles kept joining the jam, worsening the situation.
Watch the video of this traffic jam here:
What Happened to the People Trapped in the Jam?
Imagine spending nearly two weeks in your car, with no option to escape. That’s exactly what happened to thousands of commuters. Here’s how they coped:
- Barely moving: Vehicles advanced at just 1 km per day.
- Survival struggles: With nowhere to go, people had to eat, drink, and sleep in their cars.
- Highway economy: Locals set up temporary roadside shops, selling essentials at inflated prices—water bottles cost up to 10 times their usual price!
- Extreme patience: Many commuters feared abandoning their vehicles, knowing that if the jam started moving, their cars would block traffic even further.
How Was the Jam Finally Cleared?
It took 12 days of government intervention and strict traffic management to break the deadlock. Authorities:
- Blocked side lanes to prevent additional vehicles from entering the highway.
- Prioritized truck movement to clear the passage faster.
- Issued warnings to reduce unnecessary travel on that route.
Finally, on August 26, 2010, the nightmare ended, but for those who experienced it, the memories of that ordeal remain unforgettable.
ALSO READ | World’s Biggest Traffic Jam: Thousands Stranded for Hours as 300-Km Traffic Jam Chokes Roads to Maha Kumbh
Could This Happen Again?
Extreme traffic jams can occur in any rapidly developing country, especially where infrastructure struggles to keep up with urban expansion. India, with its ambitious road projects and ever-increasing vehicle numbers, is not immune to such risks.
How to Prepare for Unexpected Traffic Jams
While no one expects to be stuck in traffic for days, it’s always wise to be prepared:
✅ Stock up on essentials – Carry water, dry snacks, and basic medicines.
✅ Keep fuel levels high – Running out of fuel could mean losing air-conditioning and phone charging.
✅ Plan routes smartly – Check real-time traffic updates before long journeys.
While we hope never to witness such a massive jam again. The world’s longest traffic jam event serves as a reminder that traffic nightmares can escalate beyond imagination. Stay prepared, stay informed, and most importantly, stay patient on the road!
