Delhi now has dedicated lanes on almost all routes to the Games village and venues - and these are shut to the general traffic from September 20 to October 16.

Not only are these lanes no-go zones for the public, anyone found entering these lanes will get exemplary punishment - under a zero-tolerance policy the Delhi Police has adopted. A criminal case will be registered against violators of CWG lanes under section 144 of criminal procedure code, says a Times of India news report. The traffic department has already advertised that violators will either be fined Rs 2000 or receive a one month jail sentence in such cases.

But Delhites are already being subjected to punishingly long times on the roads - amidst fumes and honks. The decision to ease traffic for atheletes and dignitaries has come as a harassment for the ordinary Delhite - riding a cycle, a bike or in a car or on a bus. While having to thus pay for electing far-from-astute policy-makers, exemplary punishment for such a minor violation comes as the straw that broke the camel's back.

Even in cases of accident-related deaths, the Delhi police has powers to grant bail to the accused but stepping into the CWG lane has been made a non-compoundable wherein the matter has to be brought before the court.  So, causing a delay to dignitaries/athelete is being treated as an offence more grave than causing an injury/death to a citizen.

Also, the prohibition of 1,600 Blueline buses in 132 routes has lead to more traffic-related problems for Delhites. The commuters in Delhi metro have increased many folds and it is also facing snags and delays because of overcrowding.  Schools have also been closed from 1st Oct till games in the city to ensure that the traffic on roads of school buses do not add to the problem. 

There are curbs on roads near the venues of the games which have further added to the traffic chaos.

In the face of all this, is the punishment for CWG lane violation justified?