Headed for trade fair? Use Metro

Saturday, Nov 14, 2009

`Use the Metro' is Delhi Police's mantra for those planning to visit the 29th India International Trade Fair that opens today. While officials of India Trade Promotion Organisation stated that nearly 75% of the visitors in 2008 used the Metro, the extension of Metro services to Noida is expected to further decongest the roads leading to Pragati Maidan, where the fair is held.

Joint CP (traffic) S N Srivastava said that the 2009 edition of the fair could see near normal traffic flow if visitors use public transport, primarily the Metro. "With the extension of Metro services to Noida and east Delhi, we hope better traffic flow this year. Though bus and Metro fares have been hiked, they still remain popular modes of transport. Taking the Metro would save a lot of time as well.''

The fair will be be open for general public from November 19 to November 27. Timings for visitors are 9.30am to 7.30pm. And while entry to the fair on weekdays would be allowed till 6.00pm, on weekends the same would be till 4.00pm. Only one lakh visitors would be allowed entry to the fair daily.

Speaking about traffic restrictions, Srivastava said: "Parking and halting on Mathura Road, Bhagwan Dass Road, Purana Quila, Sher Shah Road, Bhairon Marg, Ring Road, Tilak Marg and `C' Hexagon would not be allowed during the fair and violators would face prosecution. Visitors can park their vehicles at the designated parking spaces near the Delhi zoo and Bhairon Road. Parking is allowed on the India Gate radials from where visitors can also avail the park and ride facilities.'' These roads would remain closed for HGVs and LGVs from 7.30am to 9.30pm.

Moreover, the right turn from Mathura Road to Bhagwan Dass Road and Purana Quila Road would not be allowed and no U-turn will be available for traffic on Mathura Road, although traffic reaching Mathura road would be allowed right turn. "This is to facilitate linear movement of traffic. There will be one subway and two footbridges for pedestrians,'' added Srivastava. There will be no sale of tickets at counters on the Mathura Road.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Headed-for-trade-fair-Use-Metro/articleshow/5228188.cms