After R-Day parade rehearsal, Delhiites deal with traffic snarls

The traffic restrictions because of the final dress rehearsal of Republic Day parade on Saturday led to massive traffic snarls across central Delhi.

The traffic restrictions because of the final dress rehearsal of Republic Day parade on Saturday led to massive traffic snarls across central Delhi.

A French army band marches during the full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade, in New Delhi, India , Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. (AP)

Though the restrictions were lifted by noon, the spillovers continued till 1pm in several parts of the national capital.

Connaught Place, Sardar Patel Marg, India Gate and the connecting roads-Dr Zakir Hussain Marc, Kasturba Gandhi Marc and Tilak Marg, Khan Market and Teen Murti were packed with vehicles.

“Our team of traffic officials were present along all the routes where traffic was not allowed to guide them to alternative routes,” said Sharad Agarwal, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

He however said that the traffic situation is under control now.

The rehearsal started around 9:50am and made its way from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort, cutting through Vijay Chowk, Rajpath, India Gate, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg enroute.

Delhi Traffic Police, in an advisory released on Friday, had said that all roads in and around central Delhi would remain closed for commuters till late on Saturday afternoon. Vijay Chowk was closed for all traffic from 6.30pm onwards on Friday. Delhi traffic police said that no vehicles would be allowed from Vijay Chowk to India Gate till the dress rehearsal parade is over on Saturday afternoon.