Commonwealth Games 2010 and Delhi transport system

THE CONTROVERSIES surrounding the Commonwealth Games have hurt the nation with shame and disappointment. But if latest reports are to be believed then Commonwealth Games are going to give a harrowing time to commuters using both private and public transport as major portions of the road would be reserved for games.

From Saturday, September 4, 2010, trial run for the transport system which will handle commuting by players and officials during Commonwealth Games would be carried out.

As a consequence the people of Delhi will have to face the brunt as some of the roads will be exclusively reserved for Commonwealth Games sportspersons and delegates. This year the condition of the roads is already bad due to rains and this trial run would further add to the woes of common citizens, feel people.

To ensure that the trial run goes without hitch, there is a strong presence of Tata Motors, Delhi  Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Traffic Police on these road stretches. These three organisations are going to set up, organise and manage the transport for athletes, officials, technical staff and media persons.

From September 20, 2010 onwards, when the foreign visitors start landing in Delhi, things are likely to get more difficult. Commuters can expect massive jams, especially near the airport as the visitors are ferried to the games village in East Delhi via these dedicated lanes.
Trespassers will be fined Rs 2000 and their vehicle can also be impounded if the law is violated. The period of restriction and the number of reserved roads will only increase as the dates for the games comes near. The roads will bear blue patches called reserve lanes situated at the extreme right or extreme left depending on a particular road. Out of 450 kilometers of arterial road space in Delhi, 105 kilometers will be dedicated to the games. 
Already the Delhi government has asked schools and colleges to remain closed during the games and requests are being made to citizens of Delhi to use the roads sparingly during the games.

Delhi special commissioner for traffic has appealed to the people to use metro during the games to ease traffic congestions till the end of games.

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