The Indian capital has faced traffic congestion on a daily basis due to the amount of road space being taken up by delayed construction work on games-related projects.
With projects experiencing further delays, it also means less time to plan for security on the ground.
Though there will be dedicated lanes for athletes and delegates, experts believe it may not be easy to keep roads secure during the Oct. 3-14 event.
"Traffic needs to be reduced drastically at that time and the security systems need to be tightened on transport systems like the metros and public buses," said Vijai Nair, a retired army brigadier who has contributed to many research papers on defense and security.
"The need is to restrict VIP movement and ensure there is no strain on the system. Our policemen will be doing 16-17 hour shifts during the games and they need to be helped." Nair believes that distances between venues will test the system.
"The geographical settings of venues will make things difficult. We will have to try and work on the lines of the Republic Day and the Independence Day when we have phenomenal security," he said.
India celebrates its Republic Day (Jan. 26) on the day its constitution came into force, and Independence Day on Aug.
15. The central part of New Delhi holds military and cultural shows which are attended by most prominent leaders of the country amid tight security.
Ashok Mehta, a retired army major general and an expert on defense and security issues, also feels that the variety of venues could pose a problem.
"We have to ensure the security is as high as during those national celebrations. But that will be easier said than done because those are organized at particular places while the games are a scattered event," he said.
Mehta also believes it may not be easy to keep a check on competitors, adding: "The real challenge will be to protect athletes when they will be moving from one place to another through the day." The Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell has also expressed hope of a better traffic system during the games.
"Though I have been convinced that security will be very good during the games, the traffic situation needs to be improved," Fennell said during a visit this month.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has conceded that games-related projects were not likely to be completed before September 15, just a day ahead of the games village being thrown open to athletes.
But she feels traffic can be handled without much difficulty.
"Delhi has the advantage of being round. There are several alternative routes and that will be to our advantage," she said.
The games will see around 8,000 athletes from 71 countries competing in 17 disciplines. The events are being organized at 11 stadium clusters, plus a series of practice venues.
