Blame Obama for long waits at traffic signals

Get ready for the jam session

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Get ready for the jam session

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Blame Obama for long waits at traffic signals

US President Barack Obama has a packed schedule on Monday in New Delhi on the third day of his India visit and it would not just keep the security agencies on their toes but it might also make you change your course on your way to work or school.

Out of comfort zone: US President Barack Obama's tight schedule on
Monday may cause traffic snarls in Delhi. PIC/Rajeev Tyagi

With 25000 cops, SWAT team, QRT, Snipers and dog squads, a five-layered security apparatus is protecting the US President. When the convoy of Obama moved from the IGI airport on Sunday afternoon, all the roads were blocked which were connected to the route of the US president. Being Sunday there wasn't much traffic on the roads. Some people moving around the city on the occasion of Bhaiya Dooj faced difficulties though.
On Monday the Delhiites might be in for greater trouble.

Kasturba Gandhi Marg is supposed to be closed from 11 am to 2 pm, Sadar Patel Marg will be completely closed for civilians and the ban on traffic will be applicable from 8 in the morning till 10 pm. Ring Road and Delhi Gate will also be affected from 9 am to 12 am. The Delhi Police has requested the citizens to avoid personal vehicles and use public transport instead.

"We are taking all appropriate steps. As the convoy of the US President would be on the move, several diversions have been effected," said a police officer. The US President will visit Rajghat and then he will address a joint session of Parliament. In a press conference, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Traffic police Satyendra Garg informed the people about the road restrictions during the visit of Obama.

Metro bound

With traffic movement restricted due to US President Barack Obama's visit to the national capital on Sunday, Delhiites thronged to the Delhi Metro in more than their usual droves to escape agonising traffic jams.
With Bhai Dooj also celebrated Sunday, 453 extra trips were run by the Delhi Metro to manage the huge rush. The Metro saw a 46 percent jump in footfalls on Bhai Dooj last year.
The movement of heavy vehicles was restricted on the National Highway 8 stretch linking Delhi and Gurgaon Sunday afternoon to facilitate smooth movement of Obama's motorcade. Nearly 300-400 extra traffic policemen have been deployed in the capital during Obama's visit.