Commuters stranded as OROP slugfest chokes roads

Several prominent streets in central Delhi were choked owing to the high political drama that unfolded at various places in the city following the alleged suicide of an ex-serviceman over OROP issue.

Vehicular movement was thrown out of gear at Gol Dak Khana roundabout, Outer Circle of Connaught Place, Panckuian Road, Ashoka Road, Baba Kharag Singh Marg, Kali Bari Marg, Mandir Marg, Tilak Marg and ITO, a senior traffic police officer said.

Commuters had a harrowing time as thick layer of smog coupled with bumper-to-bumper ride made situation worse.

The alleged suicide of the Army veteran snowballed into a huge political showdown with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal being detained by the police separately.

The situation started worsening from late afternoon when the leaders were detained and the street chaos heightened due to protests by various parties and office-goers returning home.

“Traffic in central area was the worst hit as it is most frequented by commuters travelling to other parts of the city. The protests and the detentions of leaders coupled with onlookers gathering on streets added to traffic woes,” added the officer.

The Twitter handle of the Delhi traffic police kept posting update about roads that were closed and the diversions that were put in place owing to the congestion and protests.