New Delhi: It was a Friday without its usual rush. As Day 1 of the traffic restrictions for Brics Summit kicked in, Delhi’s roads were mostly clear, with some congestion reported on several stretches. Schools and govt offices being shut appeared to have helped keep the usual rush in check.People who couldn’t avoid commuting got a better response to their traffic queries. Instead of the usual “contact your TI” response or a blanket advisory, traffic police addressed individual queries with route-specific information.A commuter from Greater Noida asked about reaching Terminal 3 for a flight with check-in at 12.10am on Sept 12 and whether DND Flyway would remain open. There are no restrictions for commute in the night, he was told. Another person asked how to reach Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station from Rajouri Garden by taxi, as senior citizen parents were travelling around 1pm. Traffic police suggested a route via Naraina, Dhaula Kuan, Ring Road, AIIMS, Lajpat Nagar and Ashram, while warning that temporary stoppages could occur due to VIP movement.Other queries were more straightforward. A commuter was informed that the Delhi-Noida route via Kalindi Kunj would remain open for private vehicles. Another asked about the Barapullah elevated road between Akshardham and AIIMS around 10am on Saturday and was told it would remain open, with a reminder to check the latest advisory before travelling.The responses on social media were matched by advance signage on the roads. For instance, at ITO, a board warned motorists about the W-point restriction on Mathura Road towards Bharat Mandapam, allowing them to change their route before reaching the restricted stretch.Restrictions came into force around 2pm on several roads, including Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Tees January Marg, Mathura Road, Moti Lal Nehru Marg, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, Janpath and Ashoka Road.For most commuters, the first day was relatively uneventful. Anuja, who travelled to New Delhi Railway Station, said she left two hours early. “Our driver said there were diversions, but there was no congestion,” she said. Another commuter said a journey to the airport that normally takes around 45 minutes took just 14 minutes Friday, with offices shut and restrictions in place.Sources attributed the relatively smooth movement partly to lower traffic volumes, with Delhi govt offices and schools shut, reducing the usual rush-hour load on the roads.The lighter traffic, however, also triggered some criticism online, with questions over whether the quiet roads were the result of putting much of the city’s normal routine on hold. One person questioned whether the empty roads were created simply by the restrictions.Another post argued that with schools shut, govt offices closed and several roads restricted, normal life had effectively been disrupted to allow visiting dignitaries to move through a largely sanitised capital. The post acknowledged that security for international guests was necessary, but questioned whether putting the city’s routine on hold was the right way to manage it.While traffic police advises everyone to leave early till Sunday, commuters are also requested to contact helpline 1095 or 011-25844444, and check @dtptraffic for the latest advisory.
