Delhi’s roads turned into parking lots on Tuesday, the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, as shoppers descended upon markets, leading to massive traffic snarls across the city. The influx of people eager to make last-minute purchases for the festival resulted in standstills that caused significant inconvenience to commuters.
Videos circulating on social media platforms vividly captured the extent of the gridlock. Major areas like Laxmi Nagar, Karol Bagh, and Sarai Kale Khan were particularly impacted, with traffic seemingly at a standstill. Frustrated commuters took to social media to express their woes. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, complained, “Traffic is choked at New Ashok Nagar metro station and its surrounding area. We can’t see a single traffic personnel to resolve this.”
This incident highlights the need for effective traffic management plans during peak seasons like festive celebrations. As Delhi experiences increased foot traffic during festivals, authorities need to implement strategies to minimize congestion and ensure smooth movement for commuters. This includes better coordination between traffic police, public transport agencies, and market authorities to ensure seamless flow and avoid unnecessary delays.
The chaos witnessed on Dhanteras serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Delhi’s infrastructure during high-demand periods. It underscores the need for robust planning and proactive measures to manage traffic effectively, particularly during festivals when the city experiences a surge in activity.