Alternative routes to/from Haryana, UP witness traffic chaos in national Capital
On the 16th day of farmers’ protest against the three recently introduced farm laws, farmers stayed put at borders across the national Capital. With farmers sitting at borders across the city, the alternative routes to neighboring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh continued to witness long traffic queues during office hours.
“On December 12, the farmers have decided to block the Delhi-Jaipur Highway and if still the law is not rolled back, the farmers on December 14, will stage sit-in protests in front of Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) offices across the country and houses of BJP leaders. We will also block Reliance and Adani toll plazas. There is no programme to stop trains.
The number of farmers coming here is increasing day to day,” said Balbir Singh Rajewal, Bharatiya Kisan Union, while addressing media on Friday.
The Singhu, Tikri, Ghazipur, Auchandi, Safiabad, Piao Maniyari, and Saboli and Chilla border remained closed for traffic movement. “Jhatikara border is open only for two wheelers and pedestrian movement,” Delhi Traffic Police (DTP) tweeted.
Farmers from different States have been camping at Delhi’s Singhu and Tikri are on border for the last 16 days while farmers on Ghazipur and Chilla (Delhi-Noida) border points are campaigning for the last 11 days to demand a repeal of the farm laws enacted in September.
In a series of tweets, the Delhi Traffic Police said Tikri and Dhansa borders are closed for traffic movement, while Jhatikara border is open only for two-wheelers and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, two senior Delhi Police officers heading security arrangements at Singhu have tested positive for Covid-19 and both the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) rank officials are in isolation.
Those travelling to neighbouring Haryana can take routes via Jharoda (only single carriageway), Daurala, Kapashera, Badusarai, Rajokri NH 8, Bijwasan/Bajghera, Palam Vihar and Dundahera borders, the police said.
“Singhu, Auchandi, Piau Maniyari & Mangesh pur borders are closed. NH 44 is closed. Please take alternate routes via Lampur, Safiabad, Saboli & Singhu school toll tax borders. Traffic has been diverted from Mukarba & GTK road. Pl avoid Outer Ring Rd, GTK road, NH 44,” the DTP tweeted.
However, due to protests at the Chilla border one carriageway of the Noida-Delhi Link Road has been closed, while the other side (Delhi to Noida) remains open for movement.
Scores of protesters belonging to the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Bhanu) stayed put at the Chilla border, while those of BKU (Lok Shakti) continued to camp at the Dalit Prerna Sthal.
“One carriageway of the Noida-Delhi Link Road is open. People can come from Delhi to Noida, but the traffic movement on the other side continues to remain closed due to the stir,” a Noida Traffic Police official said.
“Commuters travelling to and fro Delhi can use the alternative Kalindi Kunj and the DND routes to avoid inconvenience,” he added.
Meanwhile, at the Singhu and Tikri border, piles of garbage have been lying on there. The farmers are cleaning the area by themselves while waiting for the little help from the authorities in keeping the site clean.
