Delhi authorities have issued a detailed traffic advisory ahead of New Year celebrations, warning motorists of time-bound restrictions and diversions across central and southern parts of the city. The Delhi Traffic Police urged commuters to use public transport, park only in designated bays and follow directions from traffic personnel to ensure smooth movement and public safety.
Delhi New Year traffic advisory
Traffic curbs will be strictly enforced in Connaught Place from 7:00pm today until celebrations wind down. The police have identified specific routes where vehicular movement will be restricted to manage the expected rush. Affected points include R/A Bengali Market; the north foot of Ranjit Singh Flyover; Minto Road – DDU Marg crossing; Chelmsford Road near Munje Chowk; R.K. Ashram Marg – Chitragupta Marg crossing; Gole Market; G.P.O., New Delhi; Patel Chowk; Kasturba Gandhi Road – Ferozeshah Road crossing; Jai Singh Road – Bangla Sahib Lane; and Windsor Place.
India Gate is expected to see heavy pedestrian traffic and authorities will divert vehicles from several approach points. Designated diversion points include Janpath and Rafi Marg approaches, Mathura Road junctions and access via Zakir Hussain Marg and Pandara Road. Motorists were asked to avoid the area unless necessary and to comply with diversions put in place by traffic teams.
Southern sectors around Saket will also face diversions due to planned New Year events at Select City Mall, DLF Avenue Mall and MGF Metropolitan Mall. Traffic restrictions in the Saket area, affecting Press Enclave and Push Vihar roads, will be implemented from noon on 31 December and will remain in force on 1 January. Diversions will operate from Sheikh Sarai Red Light via Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, from Asian Market Red Light via MB Road, and from PTS Malviya Nagar Red Light via Sri Aurobindo Marg. All median cuts from Sheikh Sarai to Hauz Rani will be closed during the period.
Paharganj has been designated a restricted zone because of the expected crowd at Shri Mata Jhandewalan Mandir. Commuters were advised to avoid Rani Jhansi Road during peak hours and use alternate routes such as DBG Road and New Rohtak Road. Traffic curbs there will remain in place until 1 January.
Enforcement will be robust. Delhi Police has deployed nearly 3,000 personnel and set up more than 50 checkpoints across the capital to deter traffic violations and guard against untoward incidents. Joint Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Jain said static and mobile patrol teams will operate in identified party zones, and officers will conduct breathalyser checks and take strict action for offences such as drunken driving, speeding, stunt biking and reckless driving.
Authorities reminded motorists that penalties for dangerous driving offences are being applied under relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. Parking will be permitted only in designated areas and violators are liable to have their vehicles towed or fined. Event-goers were encouraged to plan journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and consider public transport services which may offer a quicker, more reliable option during the busy period.
Commuters and visitors should monitor traffic updates through official Delhi Traffic Police channels and follow signage and instructions from on-duty staff. By following the advisory and choosing designated parking or public transport, drivers can help ensure a safer and smoother New Year for all.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi New Year traffic advisory issued for Connaught Place, India Gate, Saket malls and Paharganj to manage heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement.
- Timed restrictions and diversions start from midday and 7:00pm at key locations; motorists urged to use designated parking and public transport.
- Nearly 3,000 police personnel and more than 50 checkpoints will enforce measures, including breathalyser checks for drunk driving.
