Delhi traffic curbs are likely across central Delhi on November 1 as a Congress-led INDIA bloc rally draws a large gathering to Ramlila Maidan, with diversions, bus regulation and congestion expected between 10am and 5pm.
The Delhi Traffic Police has deployed additional personnel across the Central Range and identified parking facilities at Metro and railway stations to manage the anticipated movement of supporters and commuters. Traffic arrangements will be adjusted according to conditions on the ground.
Diversions may be enforced at 10 points, including the Netaji Subhash Marg T-point, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, ITO A-point, the Ajmeri Gate red light, Ranjeet Singh Flyover at Barakhamba Road, Jhandewalan roundabout, Turkman Gate and Mirdard Chowk.
Several arterial roads and adjoining stretches are expected to experience congestion. These include Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg between ITO and Delhi Gate, JLN Marg between Rajghat and Ajmeri Gate, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Minto Road, DBG Road and Barakhamba Road. Traffic may also build up around Kamla Market and Hamdard Chowk.
Movement between Guru Nanak Chowk, Kamla Market, Hamdard Chowk and Turkman Gate will be regulated depending on traffic conditions. Movement of Delhi Transport Corporation buses on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the Rajghat-JLN Marg stretch, DBG Road and Minto Road will also be regulated if required.
K Ramesh, DCP, Central Traffic Range, said additional personnel would work alongside existing staff to guide people towards designated parking facilities and maintain traffic movement. A separate passageway will be created before LNJP Hospital to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Traffic police have also made arrangements at key intersections to prevent indiscriminate parking and additional obstruction.
Parking facilities have been identified at select locations, including the railway parking area opposite LNJP Hospital, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation parking lots and Rajghat. Commuters have been advised to use designated parking facilities and avoid leaving vehicles on the roadside.
Passengers travelling to New Delhi Railway Station have been asked to plan their journeys in advance. Those approaching from the DBG Road side can use Chelmsford Road, Connaught Place’s Outer Circle, Minto Road and Bhavbhuti Marg to reach the station. Passengers travelling from east Delhi can use ITO, DDU Marg and Bhavbhuti Marg to access the Ajmeri Gate side.
The rally is being organised as part of the Opposition’s campaign against alleged irregularities in the electoral process, particularly the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Congress leaders have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and accused the Election Commission of facilitating what they call “vote chori”.
Traffic police have urged commuters to use the Metro wherever possible, follow directions issued by personnel deployed on the ground and keep carriageways clear for emergency vehicles. The special arrangements will remain in force during the expected peak movement period on November 1.
