By IANS,
New Delhi: Delhi Police have advised people to use public transport, expecting traffic congestions Thursday as some key roads will be closed for the smooth passage of Commonwealth Games delegates who will visit the venues.
Delhi Traffic Police chief S.N. Srivastava said people were requested to avoid the Kamal Ataturk Marg, Safdarjung Road, Lodhi Road, Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, NH 24, Talkatora Road, Janpath, Prithviraj Road and Aurbindo Marg.
“The delegates have been divided into two groups and both would be moving separately to different venues. Their movement would begun at 8 a.m. and end by 7 p.m. We have to give them a clear passage. Till that time, there would be traffic diversions and restrictions,” he said.
“There are bound to be traffic congestions, jams and snarls. We request people to use public buses and Metro,” he added.
He said commuters can use the Ring Road, Vikas Marg-Sikanadra Road, Barakhamba Road -Connaught Place- Shahid Bhagat Singh-Panchkuian Road, Shanti Path-Teen Murti-Akbar Road and Marginal Road/Pushta Road.
Sources said the delegation would have at least one member each from the 71 Commonwealth participating countries though some countries have sent two-three representatives.
The delegates have already arrived in the capital and are staying in the Ashoka Hotel. They will visit 11 Games venues in the city and one each in Greater Noida and Gurgaon – both on the outskirts of the national capital.
“Elaborate security arrangements have been made in consultation with the intelligence agencies for the movement of the convoys. They have been provided security of high level,” said a police official.
The delegates would be divided into three groups Friday, but officials say there would not be any traffic restrictions then. “We also see it as a dry run before the Games next year.”
Delhi is hosting the Commonwealth Games Oct 3-14 next year.