Delhi traffic advisory measures will affect movement across Central Delhi from 10am to 5pm on Sunday as police prepare for the INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Delhi’ rally at Ramlila Maidan, where an estimated 45,000 to 50,000 people are expected to gather. Commuters have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected areas, use the Metro where possible and allow extra time for their journeys.
The Delhi Traffic Police has identified 10 diversion points, including Netaji Subhash Marg T-Point, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, ITO A-Point, Ajmeri Gate Red Light, Ranjeet Singh Flyover near Barakhamba Road, Bhavbhuti Marg-DDU Marg Red Light, Jhandewalan Roundabout, Turkman Gate and Mirdard Chowk.
Traffic movement is likely to be affected on BSZ Marg between ITO and Delhi Gate, JLN Marg, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Minto Road, Ranjeet Singh Flyover, the Daryaganj-Delhi Gate stretches and Barakhamba Road towards Mandi House. Restrictions or regulation are also expected on KG Marg, Firoz Shah Road, Chelmsford Road and roads around Kamla Market and Hamdard Chowk.
The advisory also covers the stretches from Guru Nanak Chowk to Kamla Market Roundabout, Kamla Market Roundabout to Hamdard Chowk, Hamdard Chowk to Turkman Gate, and Turkman Gate to Guru Nanak Chowk. The movement of Delhi Transport Corporation buses on BSZ Marg, the road between Rajghat and JLN Marg, Daryaganj-Delhi Gate Road and Minto Road will be regulated depending on prevailing traffic conditions.
Passengers travelling to New Delhi Railway Station from the Daryaganj side have been advised to use Chelmsford Road, the Outer Circle of Connaught Place, Minto Road and Bhavbhuti Marg. Commuters approaching from East Delhi can travel via ITO, DDU Marg and Bhavbhuti Marg to reach the Ajmeri Gate side of the station. If DDU Marg is disrupted, the alternative route is through ITO Red Light, W-Point, Sikandra Road, Connaught Place, Paharganj and Chelmsford Road.
Police said security arrangements had been stepped up at Ramlila Maidan, with Door Frame Metal Detectors installed at entry points and personnel deployed to screen visitors. Central Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohit Rajbir said the venue could accommodate about 45,000 to 50,000 people, while arrangements had been made to manage a larger turnout on surrounding roads if required.
Members of Parliament are expected to assemble at Constitution Club before proceeding towards Ramlila Maidan from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction at noon. Several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, Hemant Soren, Tejashwi Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav, are expected to attend.
The traffic police has advised motorists against roadside and unauthorised parking near the rally venue. Commuters have also been asked to avoid unnecessary travel towards Astha Kunj Park, Nehru Place and adjoining roads during the programme, follow instructions from traffic personnel and use public transport, preferably the Metro.
