Huge rush on Delhi Metro as commuters avoid roads

NEW DELHI - Delhi Metro witnessed a huge rush Monday as the capital’s commuters avoided travelling by road, fearing traffic restrictions due to the ongoing visit of US President Barack Obama.

As I entered New Delhi Railway Station, I encountered a massive crowd. A lot of people had gathered on the platforms and queues were broken, said Payal Sharma, a college student.

Many office-goers were delayed because of the rush.

I was at Rajiv Chowk metro station, going to HUDA City Centre. The platform was so packed that it became tough to even stand on the escalators. Many people actually got delayed on their way to work, for which they had avoided the roads in the first place, said Shailesh Makhija, a software consultant.

Ironically, traffic moved smoothly on the roads.

Very few traffic jams were recorded in the city. Traffic has been moving without hassles, a traffic police officer said.

Traffic was smooth even on VVIP routes like Sardar Patel Marg, India Gate and Delhi Gate areas, he added.