Slow-moving traffic plagued various points across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Tuesday, as authorities implemented extensive barricading and vehicle restrictions at the Singhu and Tikri borders to prevent the entry of farmers into the city. Commuters endured frustrating delays on the roads, contending with significant traffic jams as Delhi saw heightened security measures, including the deployment of personnel in riot gear and the placement of metal and concrete barricades to control access to key routes.
Ghazipur border area witnessed severe traffic congestion as well, attributed to the stringent security measures put in place by the police. Traffic flow was restricted, with only two vehicles permitted to pass at a time along a critical stretch connecting Noida and Delhi, lined with barricades.
The farmers, advocating for legislation on minimum support prices, continued their march towards Delhi following an inconclusive meeting with a delegation of Union ministers regarding their demands. Both the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha affirmed that the farmers were determined to proceed to Delhi to pressure the government into accepting their demands.
In anticipation of the 'Delhi Chalo' march, police presence was heightened at the city's border points, fortified with multi-layer barricades, concrete barriers, iron spikes, and container walls.
Traffic congestion intensified at the Ghazipur, Singhu, and Tikri borders from early morning, with movement halted later in the day at Singhu and Tikri.
A traffic police official highlighted the daily influx of over two lakh commuters between Delhi and Gurugram during working hours, recommending the utilization of metro train services to alleviate traffic pressure.
Security measures were also strengthened along the Delhi-Noida flyover, causing significant disruptions to traffic flow due to deployed barricades.
Vehicles on the Delhi-Meerut expressway experienced sluggish movement, with barricades obstructing the roads for several kilometers.
Service lanes were obstructed using concrete barricades, barbed wire, and trucks, impeding regular traffic movement in the vicinity.
Around 100 to 150 police personnel were stationed at the Ghazipur border service road to manage the situation.
The affected routes in the region connect Delhi to various destinations including Bareilly, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Muradabad, and Nainital.
At both the Singhu and Tikri borders, long queues of vehicles formed due to extensive barricading and police inspections.
The highway beyond the Singhu border was closed to traffic, with authorities directing commuters to either turn left or return.
Local residents also gathered around the Singhu border area to express solidarity with the protesting farmers, emphasizing the significance of the farmers' struggle for their rights.
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