LUCKNOW, Dec. 24 -- Multiple simultaneous developments, including VVIP movements, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly session, Christmas Eve shopping rush and a fire incident on a major flyover, led to severe traffic congestion across large parts of the state capital on Wednesday evening, leaving commuters stranded for hours.

Traffic pressure began building up in the Hazratganj area as the afternoon progressed due to the ongoing winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, with diversions and movement restrictions already in place. The situation worsened later in the day following a VVIP programme at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Centre, Chowk, resulting in additional curbs across central Lucknow.

Police-regulated traffic movem...