Polls in states, snarls in capital

Saturday, Sep 19, 2009

With Haryana Bhavan and Maharashtra Bhavan abuzz with aspirants waiting to get tickets for the forthcoming assembly elections in the two states, driving through Copernicus Marg and Mandi House has become a nightmare. Unauthorized parking on the main road have lead to traffic chaos.

As the road forms an important connect between central Delhi areas like Connaught Place, Barakhamba Road and Kasturba Gandhi Marg and India Gate there is heavy traffic on Mandi House roundabout and on Copernicus Marg.

"I have been getting stuck in huge jams near Mandi House everyday since the past few days. Reaching Connaught Place from India Gate has become a hassle as the traffic police has enforced some diversions in the area and the main Copernicus Marg remains jammed,'' said Kunal Seth, a businessman.

"First, it was the iftar parties at the VIP residences and now it's the elections. How can the city be held to ransom like this. And that too in an area where so many people come to work everyday,'' said Kritika Duggal, an engineer working in one of the buildings on Barakhamba Road.

The traffic police contend that instructions have already been issued to the ground staff to ensure that vehicles are not parked haphazardly on the main road. "We are aware of the problem and are in the process of sorting it out. Strict action is being taken against those parking their vehicles in an unauthorized manner on the main road,'' said a senior traffic police officer.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/delhi/Polls-in-states-snarls-in-capital/articleshow/5028646.cms