Traffic movement restricted, Delhiites throng Metro

NEW DELHI - With traffic movement restricted due to US President Barack Obama’s visit to the national capital 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.

“I chose Metro for going to my brother’s place in Noida from Gurgaon as there was major rush on the Gurgaon-Delhi road and I feel lucky to have escaped the jams,” said Shalini Sharma, a resident of Gurgaon.

Traffic jams were witnessed on some key routes in South Delhi and from near the airport.

Some hapless commuters posted their comments on the Delhi traffic police’s Facebook profile.

“Massive traffic jams and blockade on Dwarka Airport Road this evening. So many passengers like my close relative missed the flight today..,” Pankaj Dhingra wrote.

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.