In a major move to manage the expected surge in revelers, the Delhi Police has released a comprehensive traffic advisory for New Year's Eve. The plan focuses on ensuring smooth vehicle movement and safety around Connaught Place, a prime celebration hub in the national capital.
Key Traffic Restrictions and Timings
The regulatory measures will be enforced from 7:00 pm on December 31 and will remain active until the conclusion of the New Year festivities. The restrictions apply to all private and public transport vehicles aiming to enter the inner circle of Connaught Place.
Police will prohibit vehicle movement towards Connaught Place from multiple key points. These include Mandi House, Bengali Market, the North Foot of Ranjit Singh Flyover, and the Minto Road – DDU Marg Crossing. Other blocked approaches are Chelmsford Road near Munje Chowk, the R.K. Ashram Marg – Chitragupta Marg Crossing, Gole Market, and the G.P.O roundabout in New Delhi.
Further restrictions will be in place at Patel Chowk, Kasturba Gandhi Road, Ferozeshah Road Crossing, Jai Singh Road – Bangla Sahib Lane, and Windsor Place. Commuters are advised to avoid these routes post 7 PM.
Parking Arrangements and Guidelines
To accommodate vehicles, the police have designated several parking areas in the vicinity. Motorists can park at Kali Bari Marg, Pant Marg, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, and Rakab Ganj Road behind All India Radio. Additional parking space is available on Copernicus Marg up to Baroda House, DDU Marg & Press Road near Minto Road, and R.K. Ashram Marg.
Other approved parking spots include Chitragupta Road & Basant Road, Copernicus Lane & K.G. Marg towards C-Hexagon, and Babar Road & Tansen Marg. Windsor Place covering Rajendra Prasad Road & Raisina Road, Peshwa Road, and the Service Road along Bhai Veer Singh Marg are also options, along with Jantar Mantar Road & Raisina Road.
The police have cautioned that parking near Connaught Place will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Authorities will tow away and prosecute any vehicle found parked improperly or in unauthorized zones.
Suggested Alternate Routes and Station Access
For commuters traveling from North Delhi to South Delhi, the advisory suggests using Ring Road from ISBT to Ashram. Alternatives include the route via Delhi Gate, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Mathura Road to reach Ashram. Other viable paths are via ISBT, Rani Jhansi Marg, Panchkuian Road, Mandir Marg, Park Street, and Mother Teresa Crescent Road.
Special arrangements have been made for those heading to the New Delhi Railway Station from the south. While routes to the Old Delhi Railway Station remain unaffected, access to New Delhi station via Connaught Place and Chelmsford Road will be barred.
Commuters can instead use the second entry gate on the Ajmeri Gate side. They can approach the station via Paharganj, Shiela Cinema, or through Ajmeri Gate and JLN Marg using the BSZ Marg, Delhi Gate route. The traffic police have also outlined three alternative paths involving Ram Manohar Lohiya Park Street, Mandir Marg, the GPO roundabout, and Winsor Place roundabout to facilitate access.
By issuing this detailed advisory, the Delhi Police aims to prevent massive congestion and ensure that both celebrants and regular commuters can navigate the city with minimal hassle on the last night of the year.
