Delhi Board Exam Students Navigate Traffic Chaos Amid AI Summit VVIP Movement
New Delhi: Board examinations are inherently stressful for students, but this year, many in the capital are facing an additional layer of pressure due to extensive traffic diversions in central Delhi. As the city prepares for significant VVIP movement around Bharat Mandapam from February 17 to 19 for a major artificial intelligence summit, authorities have implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan affecting key areas of central and Lutyens' Delhi.
Schools and Exam Centers in the Crosshairs
The traffic plan encompasses 34 schools located within a 5-kilometer radius of Bharat Mandapam. To mitigate disruptions, dedicated nodal officers from the Delhi education department and traffic police will be assigned to each school to ensure smooth coordination. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D K Gupta emphasized that ten of these schools, serving as exam centers for 2,943 board examinees, are expected to bear the direct brunt of the VVIP movement, as they are situated along or near likely traffic corridors for dignitaries. Another 24 schools in the vicinity may also experience traffic diversions.
Gupta reassured commuters, stating, "If you travel via Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, C-Hexagon, or any connecting stretches, there's no need to worry. Traffic police have put in place a plan that takes into account diversions and alternative routes." A circular from the directorate of education confirmed that all possible arrangements are being planned to ensure the safe and timely movement of students while facilitating VVIP transit.
Widespread Traffic Impact and Alternative Routes
The disruptions extend beyond exam centers, with increased traffic anticipated around hotels hosting summit delegates, such as The Oberoi, Taj Mahal Hotel, The Claridges, Le Meridien, The Imperial, The Leela, Taj Palace, ITC Maurya, Hyatt near Bhikaji Cama Place, and The Ashok. Authorities have outlined specific alternative routes to help commuters navigate the chaos:
- Commuters on Mathura Road (zoo to Tilak Marg) can shift to Ring Road via Sarai Kale Khan-Ashram or use Lala Lajpat Rai Marg.
- Those using Subramaniam Bharti Marg can divert via Archbishop Markarius Marg or Maharshi Raman Marg.
- For Bhairon Marg users, alternatives include Ring Road (ITO-Ashram stretch) or the Pragati Maidan tunnel, if operational.
- Commuters on Rajesh Pilot Marg can take Safdarjung Marg or Aurobindo Marg, while those on Tees January Marg can use Aurangzeb Road or Dr Zakir Hussain Marg.
Other affected stretches include Akbar Road, Teen Murti Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Firoz Shah Road, Shanti Path, Satya Marg, Africa Avenue, Kamal Ataturk Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, C-Hexagon, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Bhikaji Cama Place to Moti Bagh Flyover), and Sikander Road. Suggested alternatives encompass Motilal Nehru Marg, Dara Shikoh Marg, Talkatora Road, San Martin Marg, Tolstoy Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Niti Marg, Nyaya Marg, RTR Marg, Lodhi Road, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, and Man Singh Road.
Schools and Parents Grapple with Uncertainty
In response to the potential restrictions, some schools are considering shifting regular classes online during the summit. Mandeep Kaur, principal of Guru Harkishan Public School, an exam center on the route, explained, "We have informed parents that students may need to factor in additional travel time. We have four exam centers on our campus and have completed the requisite briefing. Detailed route maps will be shared to ensure everyone is aware of the suggested diversions. I am also considering shifting other students to online classes during those days, as they may be stuck in traffic. A plan is being finalized, but this appears to be the most practical option."
However, with less than a week remaining, not all schools have formally communicated these details to parents. A principal from another school noted, "We will inform the parents soon. A plan is in place, and our priority is that students should not face any difficulty. School buses will run accordingly."
Parental Concerns and Resolve
For parents, the situation has sparked a mix of concern and determination. Many emphasize that missing school is not an option. Karan Aggarwal, whose daughter attends Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, mentioned that the school recently shared an advisory via email. "My daughter takes a DTC bus to school, so there's concern about possible delays or diversions. It does make you anxious. That said, she can't miss classes. I hope bus drivers and other transport staff of the school are aware of the changes."
Another parent, with a child at Modern School, expressed awareness of the likely restrictions but is awaiting a formal circular from the school. "As parents, we want clarity well in advance so that we can plan accordingly. My daughter will attend school as usual, but there's always a worry about unforeseen roadblocks."
As Delhi braces for this dual challenge of board exams and high-profile summit logistics, the collaborative efforts of authorities, schools, and families will be crucial in minimizing disruptions and ensuring students can focus on their academic pursuits amidst the urban chaos.
