Passengers utilizing the Rajiv Chowk metro station on New Year's Eve will confront a peculiar directive: no exit from the station after 9 pm. This measure, imposed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), aims to thwart overcrowding concerns at the station. Rajiv Chowk, an integral hub located within Connaught Place, serves as an intersection for the Blue and Yellow Lines in the Delhi Metro network.
DMRC's Principal Executive Director, Anuj Dayal, clarified that while passengers won't be allowed to exit post 9 pm, entry into the station will be permitted until the last train's scheduled departure from Rajiv Chowk. "This arrangement has been advised in collaboration with law enforcement to alleviate congestion on the eve of December 31, 2023," Dayal specified, urging commuters to organize their travel plans accordingly.
Amid these station-specific measures, Dayal assured that the rest of the metro network will adhere to the regular timetable. Nonetheless, the Delhi Traffic Police issued a separate advisory, indicating traffic control strategies for Connaught Place post 8 pm on Sunday.
According to the advisory, the vehicular movement towards Connaught Place will undergo regulation, limiting access to the inner, middle, and outer circles, permitting only vehicles with valid passes. Moreover, a limited parking provision will be accessible on a first-come, first-served basis, with strict warnings against improper parking.
The traffic control regulations will extend until the conclusion of New Year's celebrations and apply to both public and private transport. The Delhi Traffic Police plans to deploy approximately 2,500 personnel to facilitate smooth traffic flow and establish 250 teams to curb instances of intoxicated driving on New Year's Eve, ensuring public safety, as per reports from news agency PTI.
