With Delhi Police blocking several roads in central Delhi to stop anti-rape protesters from reaching India Gate, commuters on other arterial roads in the city had a harrowing time on Thursday.
Some important roads like Zakir Hussain Marg and Subramanyam Bharti Marg were blocked to stop protesters marching from the Nizamuddin roundabout, which led to traffic jams on Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg and at ITO.
“The traffic was moving at a snail’s pace on Mathura Road. It took me around 45 minutes to reach DPS flyover from Old Fort. On a normal day, it would not take more than 10 minutes despite two to three red lights on the way,” said Rajesh Swaroop, a businessman.
Similarly, motorists driving towards Connaught Place had to take the longer route through Tilak Marg intersection due to closure of roads like Zakir Hussain Marg.
The traffic jam continued for three to four hours between 1 pm to 5 pm. But in late evening, as road restrictions were lifted around 5 pm, traffic became smoother.
Problems multiplied for several motorists as the SMS service of Delhi traffic police has been shut for the last few days.
Traffic police provide the free service to alert commuters about diversions and issue other traffic advisories.
Over one lakh people have subscribed to this service, discontinued earlier this month, reportedly after tariff hike by the service provider.