Full R-day dress rehearsal brings city traffic to a halt
NEW DELHI: Traffic crawled in most parts of Delhi due to the full dress rehearsal of Republic Day Parade on Monday. Traffic jams were reported from Mahamaya flyover, Badarpur border, Kalindi Kunj, Ashram and various other parts of the national Capital.
The vehicles were seen lined up bumper to bumper for several hours and traffic was reported to be moving at a snail’s pace.
The traffic police had already alerted commuters about the routes to be avoided since January 23 would be witnessing a full dress rehearsal passing through Vijay Chowk, Rajpath, India Gate, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg till Red Fort. Though elaborate arrangements were made for the diversions and the cops also alerted commuters about possible alternate routes to reach their destinations, it being the first day of the week (Monday), officegoers were stuck up for long hours in the morning at the time of the parade.
“Huge jam on Noidadelhi, Kalindi Kunj route because of unnecessary barricading by the traffic police,” said Murtaza who was returning towards South Delhi from his office in Noida. Ekta Handa was also stuck in a massive traffic jam and took to Twitter to share the situation in Central Delhi. “Avoid the stretch from ITO to High Court. Major traffic jam due to Republic Day rehearsals,” she posted.
Even the DND flyover that connects Noida to Delhi was choked up in the morning hours. Motorists were seen struggling to move ahead due to heavy traffic.
“Bad traffic jam on DND specially going towards Delhi and somewhat on the way to Noida too,” said Priya who was struck up in the jam on DND.
People also reported traffic jams from Mayur Vihar, Mathura Road, Alipur border and the GurugramDelhi carriageway.
Many complained of standing at one point for more than an hour as they texted ‘I will be late’ messages to their offices.
Anticipating such traffic problems, many offices had advised work-from-home to employees for the day. Dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade is held on January 23 every year. Traffic restrictions are put in place across Delhi, particularly in Central Delhi.