’Let them get a taste of Delhi traffic’

Say angry Delhiites, as roads are blocked for Games delegates' visit

'Let them get a taste of Delhi traffic'

Say angry Delhiites, as roads are blocked for Games delegates' visit

Fighting to meet the deadline to the Commonwealth Games next year, Delhi is being extra careful as Games delegates visit the city.

The government is making sure the team that has arrived in the Capital to attend the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly has a smooth ride through the city, even if it means closing a few arterial roads for a day.

"They are likely to visit all major colleges including Khalsa, St Stephen's, SRCC, Hindu and the university polo ground," said Prof JS Naruka, Director of Sports, Delhi University.

But Delhiites are not happy with the arrangements. "Why did they have to block the roads for the delegates?

They should get a taste of Delhi's chaotic traffic," said Prashant Mahajan, a commuter who travels between ITO and Malviya Nagar everyday.

"Blocked roads will mean hours of jam and many people will be delayed. If this is what they are doing for just a visit, what will happen during the Games?" asked Ashok Verma, a banker, who travels to Connaught Place for work.

The police have issued traffic advisories, urging Delhiites not to use many key city centre routes. "The security will be similar to what we provide when a prime minister or a president travels," said a senior police officer, wishing anonymity.

Earlier, in a letter to the organisers, Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell had said India's preparation for the Games was well behind schedule. Indian Olympic Association secretary-general Randhir Singh too admitted India must take immediate measures to salvage next year's event.

One year ahead of the opening ceremony, Delhi is struggling to convince organisers it will be able to host the event successfully in a city notorious for traffic jams, pollution and infrastructure chaos.

Avoid these roads
>>KAMAL ATATURK MARG
>>SAFDARJUNG ROAD
>>LODHI ROAD
>>MATHURA ROAD
>>BHAIRON MARG
>>MOTHER TERESA CRESCENT
>>NH 24
>>TALKATORA ROAD
>>RAISINA ROAD
>>JANPATH
>>PRITHVIRAJ ROAD
>>AURBINDO MARG
(From 8 am to 7 pm)

Take these instead
>>RING ROAD
>>VIKAS MARG SIKANDARA ROAD
>>BARAKHAMBA ROAD CP SHAHID BHAGAT SINGH MARG/PANCHKUIAN ROAD
>>SHANTI PATH TEENMURTI - AKBAR ROAD
>>MARGINAL ROAD/PUSHTA ROAD

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