Those visiting Central and New Delhi and the vicinity might face major traffic restrictions on Monday due to movement of Chinese Premier li Keqiang, who is in the city on a three-day visit. "Traffic will remain affected in these areas as also diversions will remain in place till Tuesday afternoon," traffic police said.
Both carriageways of Sardar Patel Marg will remain closes from Panchsheel Marg up to Dhaula Kuan, till Tuesday afternoon. "No traffic will be allowed on this stretch," police said. However, Ring Road and Vande Matram Marg will remain open for all types of traffic, including buses.
During the period, traffic police will ensure unhindered movement on certain routes from different parts of the city. These corridors will include -- Ring Road from Dhaula Kuan to AIIMS, Aurobindo Marg, lodhi Road, Mathura Road, Purana Qila Road, C-Hexagon, Ashok Road, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Park Street, roundabout Shankar Road, Upper Ridge Road upto Dhaula Kuan.
"For uninterrupted movement of traffic, they can use this corridor to travel from one part of the city to another," a police official said. Bonafied residents, office-goers and visitors at SPM, Army Battle Honours Marg, Abhai Marg and Manas Marg will be allowed after due verification.
Due to VVIP movement on Monday, traffic police have advised people to avoid areas including, C-Hexagon, Ring Road and Mathura Road between 8.30 am to 10.30 am. C-Hexagon will be affected from 10 am to 3 pm. Those using Ring Road, going from East to South, have also been advised to take Barapullah elevated road. Those taking Ring Road for going from North to New Delhi and Central Delhi should use Geeta Colony flyover, Nishad Raj Marg, Netaji Subash Marg, JlN Marg or Minto Road. All roads from East to South will remain open, police said.
Meanwhile, anticipating Tibetan protests during the visit of the Chinese premier, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) decided to close down Race Course metro station for two hours in the evening, besides shutting four others on Monday. Race Course Metro Station near Prime Miniter's residence remained closed for public from 7 pm to 9 pm on Sunday, as Manmohan Singh hosted a dinner for li.
"Four more Metro stations will be shut on Monday from 8 am to 10 am. As per advisory from Delhi Police, Race Course, Udyog Bhawan, Central Secretariat and Khan Market will remain closed from 8 am to 10 am on May 20. Though, at Central Secretariat station facility of interchanging of trains will be available," a DMRC spokesperson said.