Roads have been dug up for Narmada water and Avantika gas pipelines, causing severe congestion around Chanakyapuri Square for more than 15 days. On Thursday morning, commuters were delayed by nearly one to one-and-a-half hours; school buses, e-rickshaws and two-wheelers were also stuck. Traffic officials cleared the jam after about 30 minutes. Police questioned the contractor and Annapurna police took the contractor to verify documents. Authorities are checking whether Avantika Gas Agency had permission to dig up the square; an FIR may be registered if it did not. Hundreds of vehicles were held up between Rajendra Nagar Bridge and the Talab area, and between Kesarbagh Bridge and Gopur Square. Large pits near the Croma showroom, Hanuman Temple and Ganesh Temple worsened traffic. The alternate route via Kesarbagh Railway signal was closed at peak hour, and no proper diversion was in place despite earlier traffic-police warnings.