Recent visits by foreign dignitaries to Rajghat have led to significant traffic disruptions for Delhi commuters ( AI image)
MEA has said such visits have acquired significance as a mark of respect to Gandhi, with foreign leaders often considering it important to include Rajghat in their programmes. For commuters, this has become a repeat ordeal every time a visiting head of state takes a trip to Rajghat. The latest movement of Swiss President Guy Parmelin Monday once again left commuters stranded mid-journey with roads sealed and no viable alternate route for many. Some found themselves stuck in a traffic no-man’s land, waiting for restrictions to lift before they could resume their journeys. Others were forced to turn back or wait as vehicles piled up on key arteries. The visit may last minutes. The disruption can stretch for hours. There was one notable recent exception: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit in Dec.
Delhi Traffic Police did issue an advisory for the Rajghat programme — at 9.09am, for a programme scheduled from 10am to noon.
What traffic police said Sources from traffic said this was MEA protocol. Under MHA guidelines, traffic stoppages for protected persons are meant to facilitate the movement of the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister, as well as visiting foreign dignitaries given President/PM-level security cover. “As far as advisories are concerned, we will see if it was not issued in advance this time, as it is part of the usual exercise now. Further, the traffic is stopped for the shortest time possible”