Brace for traffic curbs tomorrow

Sunday, Nov 07, 2010

Ahead of President Obama's day-and-a-half visit to New Delhi, the authorities have swung into action with a traffic plan to facilitate Obama's varied engagements in the Capital. Obama, set to arrive in Delhi late on Sunday afternoon, will stay at the ITC Maurya on Sardar Patel Marg.

Both carriageways from the Airport to the ITC Maurya will remain closed while the President's cavalcade is passing through.

On Monday, traffic restrictions will be put in place on Sardar Patel Marg, Ashoka Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, and Copernicus Marg from 8 am to 10 pm. These restrictions are meant to facilitate VVIP movement on these routes, and the Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to avoid them.

"We do not expect any traffic-related problems on Sunday, as almost all offices are closed and traffic is light on the roads. The President will arrive at 3.30 pm in Delhi," Satyendra Garg, Joint Commissioner (Traffic), told Newsline.

Commuters have, however, been advised to avoid taking SP Marg on Sunday evening, or be prepared to expect a delay of anywhere between 15-20 minutes. "Both carriageways of SP Marg will be blocked whenever the President's cavalcade leaves or arrives at the hotel," Garg said. "During VVIP movement, both carriageways of the Sardar Patel Marg will be closed. Commuters can use Shanti Path or Vinay Marg instead," he added.

On Monday morning, restrictions will be put in place between 9 am and 1 pm on the Outer Ring road leading to Rajghat. Obama is expected to visit Rajghat but the Traffic Police is uncertain of the exact time of his visit. Restrictions will, therefore, remain in place from 9 am to 1 pm.

"We also expect considerable traffic restrictions on point A (the police headquarters at ITO) and point W (the junction where the roads from Pragati Maidan, Tilak Marg, and Sikandra Road merge)," Garg added.

Restrictions will also be in place at the C Hexagon at India Gate, and the Traffic Police has advised commuters to avoid this road or be prepared for delays of up to 20 minutes. "Between 11.20 am and 2.30 pm on Monday, for a period of 45 minutes, diversions will be made in the traffic pattern at the C Hexagon at India Gate," Garg added. Commuters are being advised to refrain from taking Rajpath to go to India Gate, and instead use the Inner Circle to arrive at Tilak Marg. Similar diversions will be put in place on Ashoka Road, K G Marg and Copernicus Road.

Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/brace-for-traffic-curbs-tomorrow/707730/0