While the wedding season, which began on Tuesday, has already added to the National Capital’s traffic woes, more awaits the city, especially Central Delhi which will likely remain choked from Thursday as the India International Trade Fair (IITF) at Pragati Maidan will add to the misery of the commuters amid traffic restriction being imposed in different areas for the event which will continue for a fortnight.
It is expected that around 60,000 visitors will visit the fair on each day with the number going as high as 1.5 lakh per day during weekend and holidays leading to massive traffic jams along Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Ring Road, Shershah Road and Purana Quila Road. These important passages, which already see a rush of vehicles during peak hours, will further be packed with extra commuters trying to make their way to the IITF, resulting in choke points and traffic snarls.
The Delhi Traffic Police Department has requested people not visiting the trade fair to avoid or bypass these roads to ensure hassle-free journey. But, office-goers and commuters who take the same route everyday will have to take the pain of going through diversions and leaving early for at least 14 days to avoid any delay.
“While travelling from Mayur Vihar to Bhagwan Dass road, which is usually my route every day, I’ll have to now take alternative routes which will cost me extra time and fuel, that too for about 14 days when there is already wedding season disrupting traffic flow every now and then,” said a 49-year-old working professional.
Only business visitors will be allowed into the IITF from November 14 to 18, while the fair will be open for the general public from November 19 to 27 at 9.30 am to 07.30 pm. In light of this, to ensure smooth traffic management in the vicinity of Pragati Maidan, the traffic police said that no vehicle will be allowed to halt or park anywhere along Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg.
“No vehicles will be allowed to be parked on Sher Shah Road, Purana Quila Road, Bhagwan Dass Road and Tilak Marg. Vehicles found parked on the above roads shall be towed away and prosecuted for improper parking and disobedience of lawful instructions. Towed vehicles would be parked in National Stadium parking at Gate No. 5,” the traffic department stated.
Even as there will be heavy pedestrian movement on Mathura Road and heavy traffic is also expected to ply on this road throughout the day, the police asked people to use the foot-over bridge on Mathura Road.
The traffic advisory said, “People are requested to avail public transport to reach Pragati Maidan. Those coming by Delhi Metro may alight at Supreme Court Metro Station and take entry to fair grounds through Gate No. 10 or use shuttle service for entry through Gate 6 and 4. People may also get down at Mandi House Metro Station and walk. Those using DTC buses for travelling from Delhi or NCR can alight at designated bus stops on Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg.”
It mentioned that commuters should avoid Bhairon Marg, Purana Quila Road, Shershah Road and Mathura Road from W-Point to Mathura Road - Subramaniam Bharti Marg Crossing.
