Delhi in celebration mode: Muharram processions to hit traffic

New Delhi, Nov 3: The city is likely to witness traffic snarls on various routes due to Muharram processions, Delhi Traffic Police said today advising commuters to take alternate roads.

Police has also asked Delihiites to avail the services of Delhi Metro to save themselves from severe congestions, especially during peak hours.

According to police, the 'Alam and Taboot' procession will be taken out from Shia Jama Masjid, Kashmere Gate, Chabi Ganj, Chhota Bazar, Bara Bazar around 9 am and would end at Panja Sharif at around 4 pm while the Tazias from Nizamuddin, Okhla and Mehrauli would reach Karbala directly.

These processions shall pass through entire Old Delhi region and make their way through major zones and stretches that include the Paharganj bridge, Ajmeri Gate (including the road near the New Delhi Railway Station), Chelmsford Road, Connaught Place, Parliament Street, Red Cross Road, Tughlak Road, Aurobindo Marg and Jor Bagh.

"There is likelihood of slowing down and congestion of traffic along the route of the procession and adjoining roads. In addition, due to other local processions, movement of traffic is also likely to be affected on Mathura Road, Maa Anandmai Marg, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Road No 56, Road No 66, Pankha Road, Palam Dabri Road etc," Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Shukla said.

General public and motorists are advised to avoid the above mentioned routes, co-operate and follow the directions of the traffic policemen posted along the routes of procession to avoid inconvenience, he said.

Those going to New Delhi Railway Station particularly in evening should leave in advance and have sufficient time for possible delay in routes.

For reaching New Delhi Railway Station commuters should avoid Connaught Place and reach Ajmeri Gate side through Tilak Marg, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg or through Rajghat and Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg depending on movement of procession, police said.

PTI