ASIA - A senior Delhi traffic police officer has hit out at the suitability of Pragati Maidan for large events such as the recent Auto Expo, which closed on Sunday.
The 11th edition of the international event, one of the largest exhibitions in India, was marred by huge traffic jams around the venue, prompting Delhi Traffic Police to suggest no-objection certificates (NOCs) may not be given to hold such events in the heart of the city in the future.
According to police, the biennial event combined with VIP movements around India Gate on Friday evening, which saw traffic spill into roads in central Delhi causing gridlock for commuters.
“Maybe Pragati Maidan is not the place to hold an event like the Auto Expo. Maybe, the traffic police should refuse NOC for future events like this,” joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg posted on the force's Facebook page. The page currently has more than 90,000 followers.
However, Garg admitted that the traffic management was to blame for much of the congestion. “There can be no excuses for traffic congestion, it was a bad show on our part. We could have managed the difficult situation much better,” said Garg.
"I am aware of the extreme difficulties people had to go through in the evening, particularly around India Gate and all roads around it. We promise to do better in similar circumstances," added Garg.
Critics of Pragati Maidan’s location have been suggesting larger exhibitions should be moved out of the city to nearby venues such as Greater Noida.
The concerns about size were underscored last week when it was revealed 100 international exhibitors were denied permission to take part in the event due to space limitations at the venue.
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