Stop, a VIP’s coming

Traffic jams and delays due to VIP cavalcades are a common feature on Delhi’s roads

The death of a kidney patient in Chandigarh, who was denied entry to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research thanks to stringent security arrangement over the Prime Minister’s visit, may be an exceptional case. But Delhiites aren’t immune to the trouble caused by VIP cavalcades.

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Samir Chawla, a restaurant owner says, “Last week, there was a state banquet in Hyderabad House near India Gate. The impact of the jam because of the VIPs who were going to that dinner was so much that it affected the traffic at Defence Colony also. A journey to my house in GK from Connaught Place (CP) took an astounding two hours.”

Traffic jams and route diversions caused by ‘VIP movements’ are the main complaints of many Delhiites. Seema Pradhan, who works for a travel house in CP, says, “Last year, I had to attend a friend’s wedding.

I started from office at 6.30 pm but was stopped at Barakhamba Road, where I remained till 9 pm. Next day I found in the newspapers that some minister had decided to visit east Delhi for inspection during the peak hour, and this had resulted in the jam.”