Traffic chokes Capital, copter monitors snarls

Due to last-minute rush in the national Capital, major traffic snarls were reported in the city on Tuesday. Not only this but also was it a nightmare to commute in public transports as well. Metro trains were over-crowded and none of the DTC buses were on time due to traffic snarls.

“I was stuck in Nehru Place for more than one hour in the afternoon and the traffic was heavy on the Ring Road. I could not see a single traffic cop to help or guide the vehicles who were stuck in the jam,” said Rakesh, a commuter.

Heavy rush was reported in market areas like Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar. Stretches between Ghazipur and Anand Vihar, Mukarba Chowk and Rohini, Janakpuri and Pankha Road, ITO and Tilak Marg remained choked, said cops.

However, to monitor and regulate traffic in the city on Diwali eve, Delhi Traffic police used Pawan helicopters. “We have used a helicopter for traffic monitoring and regulation to ensure smooth traffic flow,” said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander. “Two sorties will be conducted using a Pawan Hans helicopter. The live traffic situation will be reported to the control room and the details shall be made available to the public through our helpline,” Chander said.

The monitoring was done in the lower altitude at Dhaula Kuan in South Delhi and near the Kashmere Gate ISBT in North, Chander added. 

Traffic monitoring through helicopter was done for the first time by Delhi Traffic Police on the day of Durga idol immersion in October. Under this initiative, officials keep watch on the traffic scenario and inform personnel in the field through the wireless system, said a senior official.