Bapunagar Market Chokes Ahead of Diwali as Authorities Ban Vehicles During Evening Rush

Thousands of shoppers from across Ahmedabad are swarming Bapunagar market for festive shopping, making it the city's second busiest hub after Bhadra and forcing vehicle bans each evening.

As Diwali approaches, crowds start building rapidly after noon, filling the main thoroughfare with eager buyers looking for clothes, household items, and festival supplies.

To manage the massive swell of visitors and prevent accidents, authorities are stopping all vehicular traffic on the main market road every evening, turning the stretch into a pedestrian-only zone.

City’s Second Largest Shopping Hub Draws Massive Crowds

Bapunagar has emerged as Ahmedabad's primary commercial centre outside the walled city's iconic Bhadra market. The area is currently seeing shoppers arrive from both eastern neighborhoods and across the wider metropolis to take advantage of the expansive festive offerings.

The influx turns into a standstill by late afternoon, prompting the daily evening road closures so pedestrians can navigate the stalls safely.

Traffic and Parking Struggles Mount on Surrounding Roads

While closing the primary market stretch gives shoppers walking room, it has shifted severe congestion to adjacent routes and nearby intersections.

Visitors face significant confusion over parking availability, leading to vehicles spilling into neighbouring side streets and causing localized gridlock throughout the surrounding district during peak shopping hours.