Restrictions for Obama visit spark traffic snarls

The movement of vehicles in south and central Delhi today was hit by the restrictions which are in place for US President Barack Obama's visit here with traffic snarls being witnessed in several areas.
The police blocked a number of roads for the movement of the US President's cavalcade after his arrival here this morning but no major gridlock was caused as it was a Sunday.
Traffic restrictions were already in place in the national capital in view of Obama's arrival with both carriageways of Sardar Patel Marg -- which is next to ITC Maurya Hotel, where the US President is staying -- having been completely closed to normal traffic.

Motorists had to take either the Saint Martin Marg or Manas Marg with snarls being seen on the Ring Road near Moti Bagh.
Movement of normal traffic was restricted from around 9 A.M. In the morning as vehicles moving to and from IGI Airport were prevented from taking NH-8 and were asked to use either the Vasant Kunj approach road or follow a diversion through Rao Tula Ram Marg.
As Obama arrived at the airport and his cavalcade moved towards central Delhi, normal traffic was affected on Rao Tula Ram Marg and the Ring Road. The cascading effect on Ring Road was felt till the Mayapuri area on the western end and up to AIIMS in the east.

As Obama's entourage drove to Raj Ghat, where he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, and then reached Hyderabad House, no traffic was allowed on the C-Hexagon at India Gate between Akbar Road and Copernicus Marg.
Traffic also remained closed for a few hours on Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Ashoka Road, which caused congestions in central Delhi and New Delhi. Snarls were also reported in Connaught Place, Mathura Road, Bhagwan Dass Road and ITO.