On a Monday morning, the busy streets of Delhi became entangled in a web of dense traffic. The movements of international delegates who had gathered in the nation’s capital for the G20 Summit were the primary cause of this increase in traffic.
One Day After the G20
Following the G20 Summit, Delhi’s streets became the scene of an intricate dance between commuters and cars. While some foreign dignitaries prepared to leave for the airport, others stayed in the city engaged in bilateral discussions with India.
Traffic Detours and Interruptions
Within the boundaries of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), specific routes had to be planned to provide for the dignitaries’ quick and safe transportation. This in turn caused brief traffic jams in a few locations in south and central Delhi. These detours were intended to facilitate the distinguished guests’ travel but unintentionally inconvenienced the city’s people.
The Distance Ahead
The traffic mess wasn’t going away anytime soon. The city prepared for more traffic throughout the afternoon and into the evening as dignitaries started traveling home. Many commuters were perplexed and irritated by the sudden increase in traffic that was seen on Delhi’s roads.
Unexpected Traffic Issue
It’s interesting that the pre-G20 traffic advice, which was issued in advance of the summit, made no mention of the delays on Monday. On September 8, 9, and 10, the traffic police had recommended people to use the metro as their main form of transit in an effort to control the situation. However, the unanticipated traffic jam had surprised a lot of people.
Significant Engagements
Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince, was the most important engagement on Monday. A ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan was the first event of a jam-packed schedule for him, which also included a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. A meeting with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, just before he left the city, was on the evening’s schedule.
Arrivals and Traffic Issues
Diplomats from Brazil, Mauritius, and Mexico were getting ready to leave Delhi as the day progressed. The traffic police warned that this wave of departure carried the potential for increased traffic congestion, particularly in and around the Dhaula Kuan area, a vital passageway leading to the airport.
Commuter’s Choice
In the midst of these crucial diplomatic meetings, Delhi’s regular commuters were snarled up in gridlock outside the India Gate and Dhaula Kuan. One commuter vented on social media about a traffic bottleneck on the Ring Road while they were heading to Moti Bagh. Around 10 AM, a further frustrated tourist posted on X, saying, “Stuck here on Dhaula Kuan for the past hour. Nothing is known about what occurred here. Everyone lacks knowledge.
