New Delhi: Massive traffic jams were witnessed in several parts of the city as people turned up in large numbers to participate in Dussehra celebrations and immersion of idols of Goddess Durga in the Yamuna river.
Traffic jams were caused on various routes as hundreds of trucks and other vehicles bearing the idols headed to the river for the immersion following the conclusion of the Durga Puja festival. Vehicular movement remained heavy on almost all roads leading to the various Yamuna ghats.
“Traffic congestion was also seen in and around Red Fort grounds, Ramlila Maidan, Parade Grounds, Kalindi Kunj, Dangal Maidan, ITO Bridge, Old Delhi railway station, both sides of Wazirabad Sur Ghat, Chhat Pooja Ghat, IP Estate, eastern side of the Yamuna pushtas and thokars. Traffic diversions were put in place for some routes,” said a senior traffic police official.
He, however, added that although the traffic remained heavy in the areas where immersions took place, there were no big traffic jams in the rest of the city.
“DND Mayur Vihar loop closed due to immersion of idols of Goddess Durga at Mayur Vihar Ghat. Traffic coming from Ashram/Sarai Kale Khan towards DND will not take Mayur Vihar loop towards Mayur Vihar. Commuters are advised to take alternative route via Noida,” said the traffic police official.
Nishad Raj Marg to Lal Quila route has been diverted due to law and order arrangements.
Delhi traffic police said Dussehra celebrations slowed traffic on major roads such as Ring Road, and Outer Ring Road between Rajghat and Burari along the Kashmere Gate ISBT.
Processions heading towards the ghats thronged Pushta Road, Gandhi Nagar, Khajuri Pushta Road, Sonia Vihar and Mathura Road.
