New Delhi, January 1: On the first day of the New Year, central Delhi was choked as all arterial roads connecting the region with other peripheries of the city witnessed unprecedented traffic snarls. The commuters were stranded for multiple hours, with cars barely moving at snail's pace. In order to prevent the mobilisation of revellers, the police was forced to shut down the exits of four metro stations.

"As per instructions received from the Delhi Police, exits at four stations -- Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhavan, Mandi House and Pragati Maidan metro stations -- have been blocked with immediate effect due to swelling crowd," an official said. New Year Eve Drink and Driving Cases: Delhi Police Issues 509 Challans.

A massive number of people gathered at India Gate area, Connaught Place in Lutyens' Delhi and the city zoo near Mathura Road to celebrate New Year's Day.

"A huge crowd has assembled at many public places. And, we have shut exits at these four stations, as per police's instructions, to control the outflow of crowd. However, entry of commuters at these four stations are allowed," the official said.

Delhi Police Monday advised visitors, heading out for celebrations, to use public transport as there is an acute shortage of parking space at India Gate.

Pragati Maidan station is located close to the busy Mathura Road and Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan are situated in the neighbourhood of India Gate memorial.

(With PTI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2019 07:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).