New Delhi: Several areas in Delhi witnessed heavy traffic on the occasion of New Year, as huge crowds thronged the India Gate, Connaught Place, and various religious places in the national capital.
People queued up at Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, and Central Secretariat metro stations amid heavy rush on the first day of the new year. An official told PTI that many commuters did not have smart cards or online tickets which contributed to the long queues.
"Be it in metro or on roads, there is no space in several areas of central Delhi," a commuter said.
Massive crowds gathered at the India Gate, Prachin Hanuman Mandir, Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, and Connaught Place Circle, resulting in traffic chaos, reported PTI.
Traffic was heavy in other parts of the national capital as well. According to commuters, heavy traffic was witnessed in Chhattarpur, Barakhamba crossing towards Mandi House, Rajendra Prasad Marg roundabout, Sarai Kale Khan flyover, Mathura Road and Singhu Border to Mukarba Chowk, among others.
Heavy traffic was also witnessed near the India Gate and Mandi House as people thronged Kartavya Path, leading to a jam-packed situation there.
A senior police officer told PTI, "Adequate arrangements were made at various temples and markets since December 31. Teams are maintaining law and order condition." "One platoon of paramilitary personnel with eight staffers of the Delhi Police were deployed at Hanuman temple as well as at Connaught Place inner circle and metro stations to manage the crowd," the police officer added.
Lokesh Bhardwaj, a priest at Kalkaji Mandir, told PTI there was a massive surge of visitors seeking blessings on the first day of the new year. "People have been reaching here since December 31 and the numbers are still increasing," he said.
Harmeet Singh Kalka, the president of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee, also said that there was a surge of visitors at the holy site, reported PTI.
Kalka said that they have hired extra staff for 'langar' (community kitchen).