NEW DELHI: Traffic jams were reported from several parts of the city due to road closures because of a protest organised by farmers’ groups owing allegiance to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Central Delhi was hit the worst.
The protesters wanted to march from Gurudwara Rakab Ganj to Parliament, but police had not granted any permission for the event due to the pandemic.
Several politicians and functionaries, including SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, were detained by police, but let off later. Meanwhile, in other parts of the city, traffic was affected due to the bad condition of roads owing to potholes.
In order to keep commuters updated about traffic movement, Delhi Traffic Police posted about road closures and suggested diversions to avoid inconvenience. The Jharoda Kalan border was closed for vehicular movement and commuters were advised to take alternate routes.
Most of the calls regarding traffic jams came from New Delhi, Dhaula Kuan, ITO, Vikas Marg, Delhi Gate and Karol Bagh.
Due to the demonstration call by farmers to assemble at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj, police had barricaded different areas and vehicles were only allowed after checking.
Roads near Gurudwara Rakabganj, RML Hospital, GPO, Ashoka Road and Baba Kharak Singh Marg were affected due to the farmers’ movement.
Senior police officers stated that Sardar Patel Marg till Dhaula Kuan was closed for traffic. “The traffic coming from Gurgaon to Sardar Patel Marg and from Narayana loop has been diverted towards Ring Road Moti Bagh. The traffic will remain heavy. Traffic going from Pusa roundabout towards Shankar Road has also been diverted towards Pusa Road,” traffic police tweeted.
Many commuters took to Twitter to complain about heavy traffic on their route. People took around an hour to cover 4-6 kilometres.
