Day 1 of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation’s plan to make Padam Singh Road and Tank Road in Karol Bagh one-way was marked by confusion but was relatively easier to implement as Monday was a holiday in the otherwise busy market. The real test, police said, would be on Tuesday.

As 48-year-old Ravinder Singh reached Padam Singh Road, his regular route to reach near Kalindi College, he was stopped by a traffic cop, who pointed at a signage that mentioned the road had become ‘one-way’. Singh tried to reason with the officials to allow him access for just one day as a diversion would mean he would have to take a detour of almost three kilometres.

“Where do I turn back from here? I would have timed by journey accordingly I had known this. The traffic policemen directed me away from the road but where should I go after taking this turn?” he complained.

Many like Singh were seen confused while others argued with traffic constables stationed at the market on Monday. Over 50 traffic officials and a dozen marshals from the north corporation were stationed at the every 50 metres to divert vehicles.

Many cops said things were easier as the market is shut on Mondays. “We did not have much problems directing commuters today (Monday) because the market is shut. There was no rush.The real test will be tomorrow,” said a traffic head constable who did not wish to be identified.

Traffic deputy commissioner of police (central range) Rakesh Pawaria on Monday said the policemen would continue to “educate and inform” the public about the benefits of the plan without imposing any penalty.

“We will not challan people; that will be against the larger spirit of the plan. The idea is to sensitise them, like we did to pedestrianise Ajmal Khan Road. We are confident people will get used to this new traffic plan,” Pawaria said.

Tribhuvan Shekhawat, a 62-year-old commuter, said blocking traffic towards the market would increase jams on Pusa Road, which is already clogged, especially during rush hours.

“People used the market roads as a short cut to escape traffic. But now the load will increase on the main road. The situation there is already bad with autos hovering around metro stations,” he said.

Others, however, welcomed the move and said this would go a long way in decongesting the Karol Bagh market, which had become difficult to access because of the haphazard car parking and traffic.

“All major markets should be made car-free. Shopping had become tiresome because all one can think of is where to park your car,” said Gautam Mandal, a resident of Naraina.

These two roads are also important access points to many residential neighbourhoods in Karol Bagh and around West Patel Nagar. Four other roads —Pyaare Lal Road, Hardhyan Singh Road, Gurudwara Road and Saraswati Marg—will also be made one-way by July-end.

First Published: May 21, 2019 06:48 IST