Delhi traffic congestion intensified across major commercial districts on Friday as large crowds turned out for Dhanteras shopping, bringing vehicular movement to a crawl in areas including Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar.
The shopping rush affected both market roads and major arterial routes across the national capital region. Motorists faced bumper-to-bumper traffic and long queues near commercial hubs as shoppers searched for gold, silver, utensils, electronics, clothing and other festive goods.
According to the report, heavy congestion was visible around Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Anand Vihar, Khichripur, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Ghazipur Highway and South Extension. Parking spaces around several destinations were also overwhelmed as large numbers of private vehicles converged on shopping areas.
Traffic on the Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, ITO, DND Flyway and Delhi-Gurugram Expressway was reported to be moving slowly. The congestion extended beyond individual markets, linking the festive shopping surge to delays on some of the region’s principal road corridors.
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities and traditionally brings a sharp increase in retail activity. Shoppers commonly purchase gold and silver jewellery, utensils, kitchenware, vehicles, clothing and electronics on the occasion. Buying a broom is also considered auspicious during the festival.
The concentration of shoppers in established commercial districts placed pressure on roads, access lanes and parking facilities around the markets. Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place, which attract visitors from across Delhi-NCR, were among the worst-affected areas reported during the rush.
The traffic disruption illustrates the operational challenge created when a large, time-bound retail surge is concentrated in established market areas. In addition to shoppers, the affected roads carry regular commuter traffic and provide connections between neighbourhoods, commercial centres and regional corridors.
The report did not provide details of specific traffic diversions, parking restrictions or additional enforcement measures. It also did not state when conditions were expected to return to normal. The congestion was reported as Dhanteras shopping activity continued across Delhi-NCR on Friday.
