Commuters in Delhi faced substantial traffic jams on Friday, with Teen Murti Marg becoming a hotspot for congestion during the peak Diwali rush. This follows earlier reports of widespread traffic snarls across the city, including areas like Tolstoy Road and the Greater Noida Authority roundabout.
The festive spirit of Diwali often translates into increased vehicular traffic in metropolitan areas. As residents embark on journeys to celebrate with loved ones and partake in shopping sprees, road networks become strained, leading to frustratingly slow traffic and prolonged journey times.
To manage the escalating situation, traffic police have augmented their presence and introduced specific measures. Officials confirmed the deployment of maximum available staff to monitor and control traffic flow. Enforcement actions, including immediate fines for violations, are being strictly applied. Roadside patrols are actively clearing parked vehicles to ease bottlenecks. Specific traffic management plans are in place for bustling marketplaces such as Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, and Connaught Place to facilitate smoother navigation.
In addition to traffic management, the city has expanded its parking infrastructure to accommodate the surge in vehicles. Recognizing the potential for increased incidents, particularly related to impaired driving during celebrations, police are conducting targeted anti-drunk driving operations. Special teams are deployed with breathalyzers to identify and penalize drivers operating under the influence.
Social media platforms buzzed with accounts of the severe traffic. Netizens shared their predicaments, with some choosing metro rides to escape the gridlock. Many voiced their exasperation at the significant delays, describing the situation as a test of patience. Reports also emerged detailing how toll collection points exacerbated congestion at city entry points, causing considerable inconvenience and wastage of resources.