Delhi Traffic Police put special arrangements in place across central Delhi on October 31 for a rally at Ramlila Maidan, with diversions possible at 10 key junctions and commuters advised to allow extra time for journeys to New Delhi railway station.
The rally, organised by the Congress-led INDI alliance to protest alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, was expected to draw a large crowd. According to the traffic advisory reported by Jagran, special arrangements were scheduled from 10 am to 5 pm, with traffic conditions likely to be affected on several major roads in central Delhi.
The roads identified as vulnerable to congestion include Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Minto Road, DB Gupta Road and Barakhamba Road. Traffic could also be affected around Kamla Market and Hamdard Chowk, depending on crowd movement and the requirements of the traffic management plan.
Traffic would be monitored at several important points, including the Netaji Subhash Marg T-Point, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, ITO A-Point, Ajmeri Gate red light, Ranjit Singh Flyover, Jhandewalan roundabout, Turkman Gate and Mir Dard Chowk. The advisory said diversions could be implemented at these locations if required.
K Ramesh, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Central district traffic unit, said additional personnel would be deployed to manage traffic. Parking arrangements for vehicles bringing rally participants were identified at the railway parking facility opposite Lok Nayak Hospital, DMRC parking areas and Rajghat, among other locations. Special arrangements were also planned at major intersections.
The traffic plan included a separate route beyond Lok Nayak Hospital for emergency vehicles. The movement of Delhi Transport Corporation buses could also be regulated depending on conditions on the roads. The emergency access provision is particularly relevant because the affected network includes corridors serving central Delhi hospitals, railway access routes and high-volume junctions.
Passengers travelling to New Delhi railway station were advised to leave home with additional time. Travellers approaching from the DB Gupta Road side were advised to use Chelmsford Road, the Outer Circle of Connaught Place, Minto Road and Bhavbhuti Marg. Those arriving from east Delhi could use ITO, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg and Bhavbhuti Marg.
The advisory places the traffic response around a concentrated central Delhi road network where small changes at one junction can affect routes towards the railway station, Connaught Place, ITO and the Old Delhi side. The traffic police will determine whether and where diversions are required based on crowd levels and road conditions during the rally period.
