Delhi Airport Issues Advisory For Flyers Amid Farmers' Protest; Gates Of Some Metro Stations Shut

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an advisory to flyers in view of the mega farmers’ protest in the national capital on Tuesday.

The statement issued by the Delhi Airport read, “Please be advised that due to the anticipated farmers’ protest at different Delhi borders starting on 13.02.2024, there will be traffic diversions in effect. For commercial vehicles, traffic restrictions and diversions will be implemented starting from 12.02.2024.”

The advisory asked passengers to plan their trip accordingly and also to keep a check on information about potential delays and alternative routes.

“To ensure timely arrival, we strongly encourage travelers to utilize the Magenta Line for Terminal 1 (T1) or the airport metro for Terminal 3 (T3) for convenient transportation option,” the advisory noted.

Several airlines like Vistara and SpiceJet also issued their own updates in view of the farmers’ protest.

Vistara said, “Due to the anticipated farmers’ protests on February 13th, traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement are expected in Delhi/NCR. Customers travelling to Delhi airport are advised to allow more time for their journey. Thanks.”

Meanwhile SpiceJet also posted an update and wrote, ” Due to the ongoing farmer protests at Delhi borders, heavy traffic congestion is expected en route #DelhiAirport. We advise all the passengers to keep a check on live traffic and report at the airport at least 180 mins prior to the departure time. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via http://bit.ly/2tG9xBx.”

DELHI METRO’S ADVISORY

Providing an update on their services, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that few gates of some of the stations will be closed in accordance with the security instructions.

However, these stations will be operational.

• Central Secretariat
•  Rajiv Chowk
• Udyog Bhawan
• Patel Chowk
• Mandi House
• Barakhamba Road
• Janpath
• Khan Market
• Lok Kalyan Marg

TRAFFIC AFFECTED IN DELHI-NCR

Amid tightened security arrangements and heavy barricading by Delhi police and other security forces, traffic was severely affected in the Delhi-NCR area.

The entry and exit points of several link points in Delhi borders witnessed long queues of vehicles.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Noida) Vidyasagar Mishra and Additional DCP Manish Mishra are on the ground at the Chilla Border where police personnel are deployed in large numbers.

DCP (traffic) Anil Kumar Yadav said checking of vehicles is underway at the Noida-Delhi border by police from both the sides.

“Proper arrangements for traffic have been done. QRT (quick response teams), marshals have also been deployed. The vehicular movement is being constantly monitored through the Integrated Safety and Traffic Management System (ISTMS). In addition to all this, we are also using drones to keep a watch on traffic movement,” Yadav added.

Security blockades in Delhi-Gurugram highway, Singhu border, Ghazipur border, ITO intersection and Tikri Border have been put up as a precautionary measure. Cement blocks, pickets and nails have also been isntalled on the approach roads.

The Delhi Police on Monday also imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) citywide and fortified the borders to ensure prevention of any untoward incident.

Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora issued these directives for the next 30 days to maintain law and order situation amid the farmers’ call to protest against the Centre.

A total of 114 companies, including 64 of paramilitary forces and 50 of Haryana Police, have been deployed at several areas.