A social media influencer from Germany recently shared her visceral reaction to navigating the roads of India's capital, comparing the experience to a thrilling amusement park ride. Her video, posted on Instagram, has sparked a wave of responses from Indian netizens who offered their own perspectives on urban commuting.
‘Where's The Order?’: A Foreigner's First Impression
The Instagram user, who goes by the handle ‘lizlaz_tv’ and identifies as being from Germany and South Africa, captured her experience from the front passenger seat of a car in Delhi. In the now-viral clip, she expressed her astonishment at the dynamic flow of vehicles. "Welcome to Delhi, where the traffic looks like a rollercoaster," she exclaimed repeatedly. She questioned the lack of familiar structure, stating, "This is not how we do it in Germany, okay? Where's the order? Where's the structure?"
Interestingly, the footage showed lively but moving traffic, with two large trucks ahead and a car maneuvering alongside. While this scene induced anxiety for the visitor, it was a commonplace sight for locals. The comment section transformed into a forum for Indians to share their own traffic tales.
Indians Respond: ‘This is Nothing!’
The influencer's shock was met with a mix of amusement and one-upmanship from Indian followers familiar with far more congested roads. A person referencing Karnataka's capital commented, "You should come to Bangalore once and see." Another, drawing a comparison with India's financial hub, wrote, "This is nothing, come to Mumbai." A third user highlighted the adrenaline-pumping aspect, noting it was "More like a racetrack."
Putin's Visit Amplifies Delhi's Congestion Woes
The influencer's experience coincided with a period of heightened traffic disruption in the national capital due to a high-profile diplomatic visit. Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in India led to significantly strengthened security across Delhi, exacerbating the usual congestion.
The area that bore the brunt of the traffic snarls was Lutyens’ Delhi, the central zone hosting most of President Putin's official engagements. According to reports, many key roads witnessed long queues. The worst-affected areas included:
- Palam Vihar
- Samalka
- Dhundhera
- Bijwasan
- Dhaula Kuan
In anticipation, the Delhi Police had issued a detailed advisory. Between 10 AM and 11:30 AM, no vehicle was permitted to stop or park on several crucial roads such as Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, MLNP, and Janpath Road. President Putin stayed at the ITC Maurya Hotel in Delhi during his visit.
The incident underscores the cultural contrast in traffic norms and the daily reality for millions of commuters in Indian metropolises. While a visitor from a system-driven environment found it chaotic, for residents of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, it was just another day on the road.
