REVELLERS BRING TRAFFIC TO A GRINDING HALT
NEW DELHI: The red arteries on the Google Map in and around India Gate on Monday evening showed the state of Traffic in New Delhi, where more than two and a half lakh people gathered to celebrate New Year.
Though the Delhi Traffic Police had anticipated a large gathering, the city’s residents – being in a celebrative mood – surpassed all speculaations.
While pedestrains too made up a considerable number, the motorists were seen locked in and around India gate bumper to bumper.
The huge turn out of people compelled the traffic police to divert some routes leading to India gate and Connaught Place.
“Traffic will remain very heavy near India Gate C-hexagon due to gathering of more than 1 lakh pedestrian and heavy volume of motorist. No parking available around India Gate. Advised to avoid India Gate and take alternate route,” said a Delhi Traffic Police on its Twitter handle, urging the people who had late evening plans to turn up to India gate to seek an alternative.
“I took three hours to reach ITO from Noida because of the trafic on the roads. It was a tiring journey when you have to sit on the wheels and move inch by inch. The honking from either side also makes things tough.” said Amandeep, a commuter.
Delhi Traffic Police officials were on the spot trying to regulate the traffic.
Senior police officers also kept guiding their staff for effective management of the traffic at important junctions.
People have been stuck at the spot for more hours, and the traffic moved at a snail’s pace forcing the Delhities to resort to social media to express their vows.
Even the Twitter handler of Delhi Traffic Police Twitter handler had a tough job replying to every tweet and informing people the reason for the chaos.
Even Adman Suhel Seth was trolled by people after he went harsh on Delhi Police accusing them mismanagemet of Delhi traffic on Januray 1.
“An ambulance was also struck in traffic jam from Ashram to sarai kale Khan side. Please get it clear” tweeted manish Kumar seeking help from the Delhi Traffic Police.
Not just India gate, even roads at Sarai Kale Khan, Ashram chowk and Barapulla flyover witnessed huge traffic and the autos, taxis, cars, bikes and buses were seen.