New Delhi witnessed a series of planned traffic diversions and restrictions on Friday due to the high-profile visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin. While key corridors in the heart of the city experienced slowdowns, the capital notably avoided the crippling, city-wide gridlocks that have historically accompanied such VIP movements.
Advance Planning and Proactive Measures
Officials stated that preparations began well in advance to prevent major traffic snarls on crucial central Delhi stretches, including ITO, Vikas Marg, Mathura Road, and Ring Road. This proactive approach marked a significant improvement compared to the situation in October, when the visit of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa led to prolonged jams in the same areas. The Delhi Traffic Police implemented a strengthened long-term strategy, which included releasing detailed advisories a day prior and ensuring an unusually large deployment of personnel across the zone.
The first set of restrictions came into effect around 11:30 am with the sealing of the Rajghat zone. This immediate closure of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and sections of Ring Road diverted traffic onto Vikas Marg, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, and Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. Although these alternate routes saw significant slowdowns, they did not descend into complete standstills. The enhanced police presence helped manage morning bottlenecks effectively.
Evening Restrictions and Commuter Impact
By 4 pm, the security cordon expanded, bringing Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, and the Mandi House zone under restrictions. Diversions at Tilak Marg, Man Singh Road, Claridges, and the NSCI Club increased pressure on Kartavya Path, where vehicle movement slowed to a crawl. To maintain flow, authorities imposed strict no-parking and no-halting rules on several prominent stretches.
- Mother Teresa Crescent
- Teen Murti Marg
- Akbar Road
- Man Singh Lane (MLNP)
- Janpath
Tow trucks were kept on standby to enforce these rules. Further diversions at Vande Mataram Marg, San Martin Road, and Rail Bhawan tightened the evening traffic flow. The closure of Firozeshah Road funnelled vehicles from feeder roads like Akbar Road, Ashoka Road, and Shahjahan Road into the C-Hexagon at India Gate, creating a slow-moving loop.
Public Reaction and Overall Assessment
Despite the managed approach, some commuters took to social media to express their frustration, reporting jams at ITO and Mandi House and flagging heavy traffic around India Gate. However, the overall consensus from officials and ground reports indicated that while the city experienced its share of snarls, it remained mobile. The experience was noticeably smoother compared to past high-security movements, showcasing the impact of prior planning and strategic deployment. The city, though inconvenienced, did not come to a halt.
