Subheadline: VVIP convoy movements from September 11 to 13 are expected to cause temporary stoppages and diversions across key Delhi-NCR routes.
Delhi Traffic Police has prepared restrictions covering more than 35 roads and 22 diversion points for the BRICS Summit, with VVIP convoy movements expected to affect journeys across the capital from September 11 to 13. A motorcade rehearsal is scheduled for Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm as authorities conduct a final test of the traffic arrangements.
The restrictions are expected to affect routes connecting Noida and east Delhi with Pragati Maidan and central Delhi, as well as corridors from Dwarka and west Delhi towards Dhaula Kuan, Indira Gandhi International Airport and south Delhi. Traffic police have warned that convoy movements could result in temporary stoppages on one road and push vehicles onto already busy connecting routes.
The traffic plan includes Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Tees January Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Mathura Road, Moti Lal Nehru Marg, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Africa Avenue Road, Satya Marg, Shanti Path, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, Ranjeet Singh Flyover, Niti Marg, Panchsheel Marg, Kemal Ataturk Marg, APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Press Enclave Road and Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, among others.
Major diversion points include Janpath, Patel Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, Moti Bagh, Lodhi Road, Neela Gumbad, the area under Oberoi Flyover, Bhairon Road and Mandi House. At Dhaula Kuan flyover, traffic on Sardar Patel Marg will be stopped during regulation, with vehicles heading towards the airport and Gurgaon diverted towards NH-48 or Gurgaon Road. Other vehicles may be moved towards Ring Road or Vande Mataram Marg.
At Moti Bagh flyover, movement on Shanti Path will be restricted and traffic diverted towards Ring Road and Rao Tula Ram Marg. Around Lodhi Road, restrictions are expected on roads including Amrita Shergil Marg, Max Mueller Marg, Maharishi Raman Marg and Arch Bishop Macarius Marg. Traffic towards Bharat Mandapam on Mathura Road will not be allowed at Under Lodhi flyover during regulation.
At Mandi House, movement on Feroz Shah Road, Bhagwan Das Road and Copernicus Marg will be restricted, with vehicles directed towards Barakhamba Road or Sikandra Road depending on their direction of travel. The movement of the Egyptian delegation between its hotel in Saket and central Delhi could also place additional pressure on south Delhi roads.
Traffic authorities have advised airport-bound passengers to use the Metro wherever possible and leave early if travelling by road. Commuters heading to railway stations and inter-state bus terminals have also been asked to allow additional travel time. Metro services will continue, while some bus routes may be diverted during VVIP movements. Autos and taxis will remain available, but pick-up and drop-off will not be permitted in controlled areas during convoy movements.
Traffic police have coordinated with online map service providers so that restrictions, diversions and alternate routes can be reflected on navigation platforms. Cab aggregators have been advised not to keep pick-up or drop-off points inside restricted areas. Roadside parking will not be permitted within 200 metres of roads covered by the traffic restrictions.
The restrictions will not necessarily operate as fixed road closures throughout the day. Officials have said traffic will be regulated according to the arrival and movement of VVIP convoys. About 4,800 traffic personnel are being deployed for the summit arrangements. The rehearsal on Wednesday evening will provide the next operational test of the traffic plan before the summit begins on September 11.
