India, Jan. 2 -- New Delhi

Delhi welcomed the New Year with much zeal and fervour, but alas, its roads were not equipped to handle the increased traffic footfall-leading to logjams and serpentine queues across most of the city, especially in localities hosting temples, as people flocked to start 2026 on a happy note.

Among the worst-affected areas were Kalkaji, Connaught Place, and Jhandewalan, all of which have popular places of worship. Tens of thousands thronged south and central Delhi roads, leaving little space for vehicles, which were out in larger-than-usual numbers, given the occasion.

Heritage and tourist sites were not spared either, as roads around India Gate and the Delhi zoo were also completely blocked for most of the day...