Games lane trials lead to traffic jams
By IANSWednesday, September 8, 2010
NEW DELHI - Trials on the exclusive Games lanes Wednesday led to traffic jams at various places in the capital.
Traffic moved at a snail’s pace on Lodhi Road Madrasa - Lodhi Road Flyover, Bhishma Pitamah Marg from T-point, Lodhi Road- August Kranti Marg- Siri Fort Sports Complex, and Ring Road from T-point Bhairon Road upto Rajghat, an official said.
The exclusive Games lane had plastic pillars at intervals acting as dividers, due to which the traffic had to either move on two lanes or one lane at several places. Traffic police personnel were deployed on every lane to instruct the vehicle drivers and ensure smooth traffic.
On the Ring Road at Rajghat, the stoppage time for the traffic was 15-20 minutes, on Lodhi Road it was 10-15 minutes and August Kranti Marg it was 10 minutes.
“Since the trials are at a very early stage, there is some delay. We will ensure that things improve in the coming days and the commuters do not face much problem,” said a traffic police official.
Commuters were unhappy with the traffic management. “Now the trials are taking place between 12 noon to 2 p.m. What will happen when it takes place during the peak hours? It will be a mess. I was stuck at Rajghat for half an hour,” said Anil Sharma, a bank executive.
Residents of Gurgaon were the first to suffer as they battled huge traffic queues. Due to diversion and the CWG trials, vehicles stood bumper-to-bumper near HUDA City Centre, IIFCO Chowk, Mehrauli Road and Shankar Chowk Tower.
The trials will continue Sep 9 at Nizamuddin Bridge - Ring Road- Captain Gaur Marg upto Kalkaji Mandir and Sardar Patel Marg - Mother Teressa Crescent. On the third day, Sep 10, the trials will again start on the road to Yamuna Sports Complex, Kalkaji Mandir- Ma Anand Mai Marg - Lal Kuan - M.B. Road - Surajkund Road, Vinay Marg, Ring Road from Bhairon Marg upto Rajghat crossing and Ring Road from Chandgi Ram Akhara to Mal Road.
After Sep 20, when the exclusive CWG lanes become operational, motorists using them will be fined Rs.2,000 and their vehicles could be impounded.
