Lucknow: Massive rush of devotees gave rise to parking chaos and traffic congestion around Hanuman Setu Temple on Tuesday, as visitors alleged poor management of parking, excessive barricading and lack of proper guidance by authorities.Long queues of vehicles were seen across the Hanuman Setu, Daliganj and University areas as thousands of devotees arrived to offer prayers on the second Bada Mangal. Many complained that despite heavy police deployment and crowd-control arrangement, there was no clarity on parking spaces designated for four-wheelers.Devotees alleged barricades at multiple entry points created confusion and bottlenecks, while several access routes were jammed by crowds. Vehicles from Arts College side were diverted towards front gate opposite LU Gate No. 1, shut during peak hours.“We circled for nearly an hour as every turn had barricades and there was no clear parking space. Finally, we had to park near green corridor,” said Rakesh Sharma.Anil Gupta said, “Despite diversion from Arts College side, vehicles were not allowed.Meena Verma, who was accompanied with elderly family members, said there was no proper assistance for visitors. “We kept searching for parking but only found barricades and confusion everywhere,” she said.Several devotees claimed many people were ultimately forced to park on roadsides due to absence of organised parking arrangements near the temple.A senior traffic official said a designated parking zone had been created at Jhulelal Park for devotees visiting Hanuman Setu temple.“We created designated parking zone at Jhulelal Park and proper placards and directional signboards were installed at multiple points to guide visitors. Traffic personnel were also deployed on the ground to assist devotees with parking and route diversions,” the official said.Bada Mangal celebrations attract massive crowds every Tuesday during Jyeshtha month, with Hanuman Setu remaining the city’s busiest religious centre during the festive period.
