Farmers Movement Archive

Chakka jam: Delhi braces for logjam, cops finalise diversions

NEW DELHI: Police are on their toes to ensure the fallout of the three-hour, nationwide chakka jam, or road blockade, called by the protesting farmers for Saturday does not throw the capital into chaos. A senior Delhi Police officer said personnel have been deployed in strength on select roads to prevent the agitationists at Singhu, Tikri and other protest sites from breaching Delhi streets. “There is apprehension that a large number of protesters will take part in the chakka jam and they are being supported by the opposition political parties. We have to, therefore, make elaborate traffic arrangements, including diversions and regulation of traffic,” the officer said. Emergency vehicles will be given free passage as also transporters of essential goods. In coordination with the neighbouring states, Delhi Police will stop unauthorised entry and plying of buses and trucks in the city. Another traffic police officer said that quick response teams have been briefed and are on hold for immediate deployment at the border points in case of an emergent situation. Motorbike staff have also been sensitised to keep vigil on vehicular movement both during day and the night. The Kalindi Kunj border is closed for traffic movement. On Mathura Road, traffic will move straight to Apollo flyover for going to Faridabad or take a U-Turn at Apollo Hospital to return to Ashram instead of taking the left turn to Kalindi Kunj. If traffic is affected on NH-24 and NH-9, it will be diverted to Ring Road, with motorists coming from ITO and going towards Akshardham on NH-24 or NH-9 sent towards DND Flway. If DND has to close, traffic will be diverted to the Barapullah corridor or to Ring Road towards Ashram. Vehicles from Ashram will be diverted to Kilokri or Ring Road to Sarai Kale Khan. Traffic from Sarai Kale Khan towards NH-24 and NH-9 will be diverted on Ring Road towards ITO for accessing Ring Road bypass, Raja Ram Kohli Marg (Geeta Colony Pusta Road) or GT Road. An officer said that Delhi and Ghaziabad would likely suffer traffic jams because the Ghazipur-Ghaziabad (UP Gate) border has been closed. Vehicles entering Delhi from Ghaziabad are being diverted to alternative routes in Anand Vihar, Surya Nagar, Apsara, Bhopra, Loni, Kondli, Chilla, New Ashok Nagar, DND and Kalindi Kunj. NH-24 will be kept open for traffic coming to Delhi from Ghaziabad. Apart from the UP Gate border, those at Singhu, Tikri, Saboli and Piau Maniyari are also closed. As traffic is expected to remain heavy on GT Karnal Road, Outer Ring Road and NH-44, traffic police have asked motorists to avoid these routes on Saturday and keep to alternative passages.

The Times of India

2021-02-06

Delhi