Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly postponed his departure from Delhi Airport by around 45 minutes on Sunday to avoid disrupting traffic movement as lakhs of students travelled to examination centres for the NEET-UG re-test.
According to reports, the Prime Minister arrived at the airport around 1.15 pm but chose to remain there until 2 pm, when the examination was scheduled to begin. The decision was reportedly taken to ensure that students could reach their centres on time without being affected by traffic restrictions associated with a prime ministerial convoy.
More than 22 lakh candidates were appearing for the examination across the country, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) enforcing strict entry deadlines at centres.
Move aimed at easing traffic for students
Sources quoted in media reports said the Prime Minister’s priority was to minimise traffic disruptions during a crucial period when students and parents were rushing to examination venues.
Prime ministerial convoys typically require extensive security arrangements and temporary traffic restrictions. Delaying the departure was seen as a measure to prevent inconvenience to candidates and ensure smoother movement on roads leading to examination centres.
Bengaluru traffic row sparks political debate
The development also triggered a political exchange, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) drawing a contrast with a Congress rally held in Bengaluru’s Malleshwaram area on the same day.
According to reports, traffic congestion linked to the event allegedly resulted in several students reaching their examination venue after the stipulated entry deadline. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticised the Congress on social media, questioning the impact of political programmes on the public.
Eyewitnesses claimed that a few candidates arrived minutes after the gate-closing time and were denied entry. Videos circulating online showed emotional scenes outside an examination centre, with some students and parents expressing frustration over traffic delays.
Students’ concerns highlighted
Parents of affected candidates said they had started their journey well in advance but became stuck in heavy traffic. Many expressed concern over the strict examination guidelines, stating that even minor delays could have serious consequences for students’ academic futures.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of effective traffic management on examination days, particularly when large public events coincide with major national tests.