Obama visit: Capital’s commuters can expect jams Monday

NEW DELHI - Office-goers in the Indian capital can expect heavy congestion Monday due to traffic restrictions in place for US President Barack Obama’s visit to Delhi, police said Saturday.

If they can, commuters should avoid Rajghat and Delhi Gate Monday morning. People planning to commute to these routes must take into account the security arrangements and try to accommodate a possible delay of 15 minutes, said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

The US President is scheduled to arrive here late Sunday afternoon and leave for Indonesia early Tuesday.

Traffic restrictions will also be put in place at Sardar Patel Marg, India Gate, Ashoka Road, K.G. Marg and Copernicus Marg. The restrictions are expected to be in place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday.

During VVIP movements, both carriageways of Sardar Patel Marg will be closed. Commuters can use Shanti Path and Vinay Marg instead, said Garg.

He said no special arrangements have been made for the US President, and similar arrangements were in place during visits of other foreign dignitaries.

Ample security measures have been set for Obama’s visit. We have deployed around 300-400 traffic policemen on the roads to regulate traffic on the routes the US President will use, said Garg.

Barack Obama arrived in Mumbai Saturday at the start of his four-day India visit.