ISA Summit throws Delhi traffic out of gear

New Delhi: Traffic was thrown into a tizzy and commuters travelling towards IGI Airport faced problems due to VVIP movements from the airport arriving for the ongoing International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit, to be held in the Capital to promote solar energy.

Heads of 23 nations are in India to attend the ISA Summit, co-hosted by India and France and Delhi traffic police has issued an advisory on restrictions and diversions to take place on certain roads on March 10, 11 and 12.

The traffic police said that movement of vehicles will be restricted these three days in various routes.

Shanti Path, Teen Murti roundabout, South Avenue Road, Dara Shikoh Road, Akbar Road, Krishna Menon Marg, Vijay Chowk, Mother Teresa Crescent Road and Sardar Patel Marg are the areas that have been advised to avoid.

On Saturday, commuters travelling at National Highway-8 towards Dhaula Kuan were struck up in the traffic for long hours as the VVIP movement severely obstructed the traffic.

"The policemen have blocked one way traffic towards Dhaula Kuan. Why is traffic stopped. It has been a 45-minute standstill," said Shujat, a commuter who got struck in the traffic.

Another commuter Biswajit, stuck at Sardar Patel Marg expressed his anguish at the VIP movement and said, "It's a mockery of the PM's claim that roads will not be obstructed for public because of VIP movement."

Commuters travelling towards IGI Airport were also struck, with some reportedly missing their flights.

"Massive traffic at Dhaula Kuan towards Airport and NH8 towards Gurgaon. Please do something. Will miss the flight," tweeted Vrinda Kedia, tagging Delhi Traffic police requesting prom[t action.

A senior police officer said efforts are on to ease traffic movement for residents across major junctions of the city.

Due to the ongoing board exams, students have also been asked by traffic police to start well in time to avoid delays.

Commuters have been advised to use Ring Road, Bhairon Road, Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Aurobindo Marg, AIIMS Chowk and Ring Road towards Dhaula Kuan.