Residents block roads, traffic comes to standstill

The residents’ protest in Jor Bagh area led to huge traffic snarls on Monday. Since 10.30am, the protesters blocked key roads such as Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road, Africa Avenue and other south Delhi roads.

The residents’ protest in Jor Bagh area led to huge traffic snarls on Monday. Since 10.30am, the protesters blocked key roads such as Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road, Africa Avenue and other south Delhi roads.

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The blockage started with Lodhi Road. From there, the protesters headed towards Aurobindo Marg. and then went to AIIMS, obstructing both carriageways. They then proceeded to Safdurjung flyover and then to Prithvi Raj Road crossing, obstructing traffic movement.

The blockage affected thousands of commuters as traffic came to a complete halt. “I missed a doctor's appointment for my ailing mother-in-law,” said Shyamoli Chakraborty.

Sudarshan Sharma, who was stuck at Aurobindo Marg for about over an hour, said, “The traffic police could hardly do anything in the face of thousands of protesters.”

Diversions were then put in place. Light vehicles coming from AIIMS were diverted towards Lodhi Road and then Brigadier Hoshiyar Singh Marg. Buses were diverted towards Ring Road from New Delhi to Bhishm Pitamah Marg.

"Commuters had a harrowing time. The situation returned to normal only after 5.45pm when the protesters left," said a senior traffic police officer.