New Delhi: Board exams are stressful on their own. This year, for many students, traffic diversions in central Delhi may add to that pressure.As the capital prepares for extensive VVIP movement around Bharat Mandapam from Feb 17 to 19 for the AI summit, authorities have rolled out a traffic management plan for key parts of central and Lutyens’ Delhi. The plan covers 34 schools within a 5 km radius of Bharat Mandapam. Dedicated nodal officers from Delhi education department and traffic police will be assigned to each school to ensure smooth traffic coordination, additional CP (traffic) D K Gupta said.Ten of these schools, which will turn exam centres for 2,943 students appearing for the boards, are expected to bear a direct brunt of the VVIP movement as many of them are located along or close to likely traffic corridors for the dignitaries,” he said. Another 24 schools in the vicinity may also witness traffic diversions.“However, 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 accounts diversions and alternative routes,” Gupta said.“All possible traffic arrangements are being planned and coordinated to ensure smooth, safe and timely movement of students appearing for the board exams, while simultaneously facilitating VVIP movement,” according to a circular issued by the directorate of education.However, the impact won’t be limited to the exam centres. Increased traffic movement is also expected around hotels that are likely to host delegates attending the summit. They include 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. So the major question is: Which route should one take? Commuters travelling via 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 those using Bhairon Marg, suggested alternatives include Ring Road (the 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 stretches that will be affected 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. The suggested alternatives include 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.Amid these potential restrictions, some schools are weighing the option of shifting regular classes online during the summit. Mandeep Kaur, principal of Guru Harkishan Public School, one of the exam centres on the route, said, “We have informed parents that students may need to factor in additional travel time. We have four exam centres 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 finalised, but this appears to be the most practical option,” she said.Though it’s less than a week to go, not all schools have formally communicated these details to parents. A principal of another school said, “We will inform the parents soon. A plan is in place, and our priority is students should not face any difficulty. School buses will run accordingly.”For parents, this has triggered both concern and resolve. Many say missing school is not an option. Karan Aggarwal, whose daughter studies at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, said 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, whose child studies at Modern School, said while she is aware of the likely restrictions, she 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,” she said.
