Delhi Traffic Police have issued a detailed advisory for commuters planning to travel on New Year’s Eve as the capital prepares for celebrations welcoming 2026. The announcement sets out vehicle curbs, diversions, parking arrangements and alternative routes for several high-traffic areas to ensure public safety and smoother movement.
Key areas under restriction: Delhi New Year traffic advisory
Connaught Place, India Gate, Saket and Paharganj are among the zones where the traffic plan will be most visible. The measures come into effect at 7:00 pm on 31 December and will remain until celebrations conclude, with some advisories continuing on 1 January.
Connaught Place will see strict vehicle curbs owing to expected heavy crowding. Vehicular entry beyond Mandi House, Bengali Market, the north foot of Ranjit Singh Flyover, Minto Road up to the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg crossing and adjoining stretches will be restricted. Entry into the Inner, Middle and Outer Circle of Connaught Place will be permitted only for vehicles carrying valid entry passes. Motorists are advised to use designated parking at Kali Bari Marg, Pt. Pant Marg and Bhai Veer Singh Marg.
The India Gate precinct will also face restrictions to manage large pedestrian concentrations. Traffic will be limited at Q-point, Mandi House, the Mathura Road stretch towards Purana Qila and Sunheri Masjid Road. Commuters are urged to avoid these routes during peak hours and to follow the alternative north–south and east–west corridors recommended by the traffic police.
In South Delhi, the Saket area will experience diversions and road closures as part of the New Year traffic plan. Press Enclave Road together with internal roads of Saket and Pushp Vihar will be under restriction. Diversions will be in place from Sheikh Sarai red light, Asian Market red light and PTS Malviya Nagar red light. Heavy vehicles and DTC buses will be prohibited from entering both carriageways of Press Enclave Road and Pushp Vihar from MB Road. Travellers heading from Chirag Delhi towards Qutub Minar are advised to detour via Kanpur.
Paharganj is likely to see slower traffic around Rani Jhansi Road due to expected footfall at Shri Mata Jhandewalan Mandir during the New Year period. Motorists are advised to avoid Rani Jhansi Road during peak hours and to use DBG Road, New Rohtak Road and other nearby streets as alternatives. The advisories for Paharganj and Saket will remain in force on both 31 December and 1 January.
Authorities have emphasised that Old Delhi Railway Station access will not be affected and passengers may use the second entry gate on the Ajmeri Gate side through Paharganj. The traffic police have asked commuters to plan journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, cooperate with on-ground officers and follow diversion signs.
These targeted restrictions aim to balance crowd management with minimal disruption to essential travel. Motorists and pedestrians should remain aware of changing conditions and check official traffic police updates before setting out.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi Traffic Police has announced targeted restrictions for Connaught Place, India Gate, Saket and Paharganj to manage New Year crowds.
- Designated parking and alternative corridors have been advised under the Delhi New Year traffic advisory to ease congestion.
- Restrictions will be in force from 7:00 pm on 31 December and remain applicable through 1 January in selected areas.
- Commuters are urged to plan ahead, follow on-ground directions and use suggested diversion routes.
