As hundreds from all parts of the city converged at India Gate and Connaught Place on Sunday, parts of the Capital saw massive crowds and heavy traffic on the first day of 2017.
Arriving early
People started arriving at famous tourist spots as early as afternoon and seemed happy to spend their day at India Gate thanks to the good weather. “My kids wanted to dine out, but we decided to come to India Gate instead of spending money at some high-end restaurant. The cold wind and sunshine was ideal for a New Year lunch outdoors,” said Sudha, who was with her family.
Lawns off limit
The lawns surrounding India Gate have been kept out of bounds for the public due to preparations for Republic Day. This left many disappointed.
“I was hoping to enjoy a picnic with my friends, but we were not allowed to enter the lawns. It is usual procedure, but I wish the restrictions were put in place after New Year,” said Vidya Malhotra from Ashok Vihar.
“I saw many traffic police personnel deployed near India Gate on Sunday. The pedestrians were not cooperative at all,” said Sahil Chhabra, a tourist.
Managing traffic
However, the restrictions had a bearing on the traffic, with the C-hexagon choked due to the sheer number of people there. The police had a tough time managing traffic at all radial roads of India Gate and the two circles of Connaught Place.
Those who drove to Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, South Extension and Lajpat Nagar had to either turn back disappointed or were stuck for hours.
Long jams were reported along Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Vikas Marg, Mathura Road, Aurobindo Road, Bhishma Pitamah Marg, NH-24 and ITO crossing. Meera, a commuter coming towards Central Delhi from Preet Vihar, said she was stuck at one red light for nearly 40 minutes in Nirman Vihar.
Another commuter Abaan Hazarika recalled a similar situation near National Museum Institute on Janpath.
“I got stuck in the traffic. A distance of barely 100-200 metres till the main road took nearly half an hour to cover. Thankfully, I had booked a pool cab or my bill would have shot up,” he said.
