Trade fair rush begins today, steer clear of Pragati Maidan

Frisday, Nov 19, 2010



With the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) being opened to the general public from Friday, motorists are advised to steer clear of the road network around Pragati Maidan to avoid getting caught in traffic jams. Going by the experience of the past several years, about 1.5 lakh visitors are expected to congregate at the venue every day. And the traffic police and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have made special arrangements to manage the rush.

Commuters not headed to the fair have been advised to avoid roads like Mathura Road, Bhairon Road, Sher Shah Road, Purana Qila Road, Ring Road and those passing through ITO and India Gate. Those headed to the fair should avoid bringing their private vehicles as parking around Pragati Maidan will be scarce and expensive. Entry to the trade fair will be banned after 4pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends for crowd control.

Visitors can either take the Metro and alight at the Pragati Maidan Metro station or take DTC buses running on special trade fair routes to reach the venue. DTC route numbers 344, 355, 374, 403, 405, 411,419, 423, 429, 438 and 980 have stoppage at Mathura Road. "There is no parking in the vicinity of Pragati Maidan. Those using private conveyance must use the 'park & ride' facility provided at Sunehri Pullah near Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road and Ashpond behind Rajghat and then take the free DTC shuttles to reach Pragati Maidan," said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

Delhi Metro will run trains at peak hour frequency throughout the day and will press into service additional trains to cater to the rush of commuters. "Trains will run at peak hour frequency throughout the day, from 8am to 9pm. Additional 23 trains will be pressed into service which are normally withdrawn during off-peak hours. The added trains will make over 100 extra trips every day during the fair," said a DMRC spokesperson.

According to DMRC's estimates, about one lakh visitors are expected to use the Metro to reach

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Trade-fair-rush-begins-today-steer-clear-of-Pragati-Maidan/articleshow/6950998.cms#ixzz15hZ9HuDb