Central Delhi experienced major traffic snarls on Thursday as the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade led to road diversions and restrictions, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Key areas, including India Gate and ITO, were particularly affected, leading to long delays and frustration among travelers.
Traffic Chaos Near India Gate & ITO:
Commuters found themselves stuck in heavy traffic, especially around Ring Road near the ITO loop and IP Extension. One commuter described the situation, saying, “I was heading to ITO, and the Ring Road was completely packed with vehicles. Even Vikas Marg was jammed. We had no choice but to take a U-turn near the IP Extension metro station.”
Vehicles were seen crawling near Shivaji Stadium metro station, located close to Connaught Place, further adding to the chaos in the heart of the city.
Delays Extend Beyond Central Delhi:
Traffic issues weren’t confined to central Delhi alone. Sneha Rai, a resident of Noida, reported significant congestion at the Delhi-Noida border due to strict security checks. She said, “The traffic was heavy on the Delhi-Noida border, and Ashram Chowk was also a major bottleneck. Additionally, Ring Road and roads near C-Hexagon at India Gate were closed, leading to diversions and long queues.”
Delhi Police Traffic Advisory:
In preparation for the Republic Day parade, the Delhi Police had issued a traffic advisory earlier this week, warning commuters about restrictions and diversions near India Gate and surrounding areas. While these measures are essential for security, they have created substantial disruptions for daily travelers.
Commuter Tips:
Travelers are advised to avoid areas around India Gate, ITO, and the Delhi-Noida border during the rehearsal and parade period. Alternate routes and public transport options like the metro are recommended for smoother travel.
