When all roads led to 10, Rajaji Marg...

A huge crowd was waiting since <g data-gr-id="42"><g data-gr-id="44">afternoon</g></g> but all roads turned towards his residence after the gates were opened for <g data-gr-id="43">general</g> public at 4 pm on Tuesday.

Witnessing huge footfall in the vicinity of Rajaji Marg, Delhi Traffic Police officials had barricaded the area. Vehicular movements from Akbar Road, <g data-gr-id="45">Kamraj</g> Road, Krishna <g data-gr-id="46">Menan</g> Marg, <g data-gr-id="47">Tuglaq</g> Road and others too, were almost halted. Local police including traffic personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed to ensure hassle-free movement of visitors.

“Diversions towards Dr Kalam’s  residence at 10, Rajaji Marg were blocked for <g data-gr-id="48">general</g> public from evening, keeping in view the size of the crowd that had gathered there,” said a traffic official.

It was an unprecedented crowd when the body of the former President reached from Palam Airport to his residence. Leaders, including AAP MLAs, DCW chief, Corporations’ Mayors, Chairmans and councillors along with national leaders paid their tributes following which the gates were thrown open for general public. Despite huge barricading and presence of paramilitary forces, it appeared as if the situation could go out of control any moment. 

“Paid my last respects, <g data-gr-id="49">homage</g> to Dr Abdul Kalam. The entire nation is mourning <g data-gr-id="34">for </g>the loss of a great human being. His sudden death came as a deep shock. Students and youth had a separate place in his heart. As a President, he made a mark of specialty. Although he was from the South, he served the entire nation,” said Ramakrishnan, a visitor from South Delhi area.

“I feel very sad and disheartened for India. It’s like we have lost the brain from <g data-gr-id="37">a very huge</g> body. Kalam Sir was our inspiration and idol,” said Mihir Singh, a 20-year-old who had come from Pushp Vihar area. 

Another visitor Swati Seth said: “We were waiting for his arrival for the past two hours and finally succeed in paying him tribute. He was our Missile Man. His stature was unique and so was his 

contribution to the country. We don’t have any personality like him in our country.”