Central Delhi traffic was severely disrupted after a Congress-led INDIA bloc march to the Supreme Court occupied Barakhamba Road and triggered congestion across nearby roads, prompting Delhi Traffic Police to advise commuters to use alternative routes.
Barricades were placed near Statesman House on Barakhamba Road, where the junction with Connaught Place became crowded with protesters and supporters. The gathering spilled across the carriageway, leaving the road effectively closed to vehicles as crowds stretched along the route.
Supporters were seen carrying party flags, sitting on the road and climbing on top of buses as the march grew. The disruption affected more than the immediate protest corridor. The stretch between Connaught Place and Mandi House reported heavy congestion, while all six roads connecting the area were also affected, according to the report.
Sikandra Road and Bhagwan Das Road were among the stretches facing congestion. Tilak Marg was also affected, while traffic on KG Marg experienced a ripple effect as motorists attempted to bypass Barakhamba Road. The pattern highlighted how a blockage at a central Delhi junction can quickly spread across adjoining arterial roads.
Delhi Traffic Police issued an alert stating that traffic movement was affected on Copernicus Marg, Tilak Marg and C-Hexagon near India Gate. Commuters were advised to take Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Mathura Road instead of using the affected stretches.
The disruption also generated criticism from commuters on social media. Some users warned motorists to avoid Barakhamba Road, reporting that traffic was moving only slowly towards Connaught Place. Others called for better public safety and traffic management, while criticising both the political mobilisation and the resulting inconvenience to commuters.
The incident comes against the backdrop of central Delhi’s role as a major movement zone, linking government districts, commercial areas, Connaught Place, India Gate and key institutional destinations. When a protest or public gathering occupies a carriageway in this network, congestion can extend well beyond the original location as vehicles divert to already busy roads.
The traffic advisory remained focused on avoiding the affected roads and using Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Mathura Road as alternatives. Delhi Traffic Police’s route guidance was the immediate response reported as the march continued through central Delhi.
