NEW DELHI: The national capital is under stepped-up security and traffic management regime on Thursday as it hosts full-dress rehearsal for the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.Heavy traffic restrictions have been imposed in central and north Delhi with several roads around the Red Fort being closed for general traffic during the morning due to the rehearsal.Meanwhile, commuters should use the Metro and avoid unnecessary journeys thru restricted zones. The city is also tightening security for August 15, while ordinary consumers keep a watch on the prices of fuel and precious metals. The traffic restrictions are particularly significant as they impact some of the major roads that are used by office-goers and commercial vehicles. Delhi Traffic Police has advised motorists to plan their journey in advance and follow diversions.Red Fort rehearsal affects morning commuteThe full dress rehearsal has also led to closure of roads around the Red Fort for general traffic from 4am to 10am, with only vehicles with valid permissions allowed to move. Several adjoining routes and crossings are also being treated differently, making the morning commute particularly sensitive around Old Delhi, India Gate and central Delhi. Security measures have also included restrictions on certain routes for goods vehicles.Metro is the safer alternativeCommuters are being urged to use public transport where possible as road restrictions ease during the morning peak. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has also particularly advised NCR commuters to use Metro for the rehearsal to avoid getting stuck in diversions and security-related congestion.Prices yet another talking pointToday, consumers are also watching commodity and fuel prices. Petrol and diesel prices are unchanged in major cities after the revision in May, while gold prices continue to remain high. Precious metals continued to hog the limelight among buyers and investors on Thursday with the national 24-carat benchmark hovering around Rs 15,513 per gram.
