Delhiites ring in New Year with traffic snarls

Delhiites descended upon central Delhi roads with a 'vengeance' hours after massive police deployment got the better of their judgement on New Year's eve. HT reports.

Delhiites descended upon central Delhi roads with a 'vengeance' hours after massive police deployment got the better of their judgement on New Year's Eve.

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"Traffic jams were reported from Connaught Place in addition to Gole Market, Baba Karak Singh Marg and Ashoka Road due to heavy footfall of visitors besides a Sikh religious ceremony," said a senior traffic police officer.

The India Gate was also teeming with revellers as a warm morning turned into a sunny Saturday afternoon.

"We were thinking of taking a drive around the monument last night but decided against it after we were stopped five times after leaving home. So

we decided to make up for that this afternoon," said Shankar Asthana, 32, a businessman who stays at Minto Road in central Delhi.

The Delhi Metro's Rajiv Chowk Station was overcrowded with commuters headed mostly to shop at Connaught Place. Those who decided to bring their own cars out had to wait endlessly to find a suitable slot to park their vehicles.

"I had to wait for more than 30 minutes to find a spot to park my car. People were walking all over the road at the inner circle and the Central Park was more crowded than ever," said Shalini Talwar, 22, a student.