Unlike the usual weekends, traffic volume on the roads was on the higher side on Saturday but the alert Delhi Traffic cops controlled the traffic on the roads as the Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi led his grand victory procession from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to Central Delhi.
Traffic diversions were put in place to facilitate VIP movement but no chaos was reported along the route of procession.
A multi-layer security cover was put in place in the city with thousands of policemen and National Security Guards (NSG) commandos taking control of the roadshow. Policemen were manning the security arrangements on the route and security personnel were stationed on highrise buildings to notice any suspicious movements. Modi’s security detail was the same as provided to any Prime Minister — with snipers and anti-sabotage checks out along the route.
“The traffic was blocked from both sides of the road at the headquarters and everyone was thoroughly frisked. We have also put in place elaborate patrolling and traffic arrangements. All the security agencies are working in coordination with the Delhi Police,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) MK Meena. Modi will be returning to the Capital on Saturday night and would be staying at Gujarat Bhavan.
He will visit a few people on Sunday morning, including Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and RSS headquarters at Jhandewalan. “Elaborate arrangements have been made for his arrival. Traffic will only be permitted once his convoy leaves that stretch of the road. NSG, Special Protection Group (SPG) and Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) are in place to monitor and check all activities in and around him,” said a senior police official.
To facilitate smooth transition for Modi, Ferozshah Road, Windsor Place, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Mandi House and Barakhamba Road were shut from 11 am to 1 pm. The effect of this was felt on Copernicus Marg, ITO, Connaught Place and several other roads, connected to the lutyens Zone.
Commuters who were stuck in snarls near Dhaula Kuan did not complain and were pleased to get a glimpse of their new PM from his motorcade. “I was stuck in Dhaula Kuan near Subroto Park for around half-an-hour as his convoy was passing through but I am happy as the few petals showered on him fell on my car bonnet too,” said a commuter.