Commuters in the national capital are bracing for a difficult Friday as extensive traffic restrictions will be imposed across large parts of Lutyens' Delhi. The stringent measures are part of special security arrangements for the two-day visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Delhi Traffic Police Issues Detailed Advisory
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory, warning of multiple road closures and diversions throughout the day. Authorities have urged people to plan their journeys in advance and consider using public transport to avoid inconvenience.
The first wave of restrictions is scheduled between 9 am and 12 noon. During this period, slowdowns are expected on both carriageways and service roads around several critical points. These include ITO's W point and A point, BSZ Marg, Delhi Gate, JLN Marg, Rajghat and Shanti Van crossings, Hanuman Setu-Y point, Netaji Subhash Marg, Nishad Raj Marg, and the Saleemgarh flyover bypass. The affected stretches also cover the route from MGM-Pragati Maidan tunnel to Hanuman Setu, Kashmere Gate, Vikash Marg, and IP Marg.
Parking will be strictly prohibited on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg, and Ring Road from Hanuman Setu-Shanti Van-Rajghat-IP flyover to Pragati Maidan tunnel, Nishad Raj Marg, and IP Marg. Vehicles found parked on these stretches will be towed away and the owners prosecuted.
Key Areas Under Restrictions Through the Day
Between 10 am and 11:30 am, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, MLNP, and Janpath Road will be kept free of any halting or parking. Stationary vehicles will be towed to nearby traffic pits. Diversions will be in place at roundabouts near Vande Matram Marg, San Martin Road, and Rail Bhawan. Commuters heading towards central Delhi are advised to avoid Sardar Patel Marg and adjoining corridors.
From 11 am to 12:30 pm, the focus of restrictions will shift to the Janpath-Mandi House belt. No parking will be allowed at Janpath, Windsor Place, Firozeshah Road, and Sikandra Road. Traffic is likely to be rerouted through Tolstoy Marg, Barakhamba Road, and other connecting points. This stretch is expected to remain heavily congested, making alternative routes like DDU Marg and Asaf Ali Road more reliable for through traffic.
In the afternoon, from 3 pm to 5 pm, restrictions will widen to include Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg, and the vicinity of Mandi House. Diversions will operate at key points such as Tilak Marg, Man Singh Road, Claridges, and NSCI Club. This will slow down traffic movement through Kartavya Path and other central areas.
The final phase of curbs will be from 5 pm to 9 pm, looping back to areas around Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, MLNP, and Janpath.
Commuters Advised to Plan Ahead
The traffic police has strongly advised commuters to rely on public transport throughout the day. Those heading to airports, railway stations, and Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) should factor in significant extra travel time. Real-time updates on traffic conditions will be available on the Delhi Traffic Police website, its social media handles, and helpline number 1095.
The advisory comes after a chaotic Thursday, where commuters took to social media to voice their frustration over traffic snarls linked to the visit's preparations. One user reported a huge traffic jam at Abai Marg in Chanakyapuri, waiting for 30 minutes. Another complained about congestion on the Sardar Patel Marg-Parade Road crossing, while a commuter noted that all roads leading to Dwarka were blocked. Travel on NH-48 from the Gurgaon-Delhi border to Dhaula Kuan was also severely affected, with hours of traffic for just a few kilometres of movement.
With the detailed plan of restrictions in place, Delhiites are hoping for a smoother experience if they plan meticulously, heed police advice, and stay updated on the changing traffic scenario.
