Delhi traffic to be affected during Jiabo's visit

NEW DELHI: People moving around central Delhi in the next two days will have to make some alterations to their plans as traffic is likely to affected due to the visit of Chinese premier Wen Jiabo here.

Delhi Traffic Police today issued an advisory asking people to keep 15 minutes extra to reach their destinations on time.

With Tibetan protesters likely to stage demonstrations outside Chinese embassy in Chanakyapuri during the three-day visit beginning tomorrow, security has also been stepped in Chanakyapuri besides controlling traffic there.

"Traffic on both the carriage ways will be closed during the movement of the visiting dignitary," Satyendra Garg, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said.

The Chinese premier will reach Delhi tomorrow. From airport, he will go to his hotel in Sardar Patel Marg.

On Thursday, Jiabo will be visiting Rajghat to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

"Congestion is expected in the vicinity of Rajghat including Ring Road, Delhi Gate and ITO in the morning hours of Thursday.

"Similarly in the afternoon, traffic circulation at India Gate will be changed for 30 minutes when traffic coming from Rajpath will move to inner circle of India Gate and exit at Tilak Marg area," Garg said.

There will be no movement from Ashok Road and K G Marg to India Gate at that time, he said.

"People are advised to avoid Rajghat in the morning and New Delhi areas during the day on Thurday. If the movement is essential in these areas, people should keep 15 minutes extra to reach their destinations in time," Garg said.