Is Delhi Choked? Festive Rush Causes Traffic Woes on Dhanteras Eve
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Synopsis
As the festive season intensifies, Delhi grapples with unprecedented traffic congestion on the eve of Dhanteras. With Diwali shoppers flooding the streets, the Delhi Traffic Police struggles to manage the chaos. Discover how this affects commuters and what measures are in place to alleviate the situation.
Key Takeaways
- Dhanteras shopping creates heavy traffic in Delhi.
- Delhi Traffic Police deploys resources to manage congestion.
- Major roads like Ring Road are severely affected.
- Public transport is recommended to alleviate road traffic.
- Traffic advisories issued for upcoming events.
New Delhi, Oct 17 (NationPress) On the eve of Dhanteras, Diwali shoppers contributed to a substantial increase in congestion on the roads of Delhi for the third consecutive day on Friday. The Delhi Traffic Police mobilized all available personnel to handle the slow-moving vehicles around key marketplaces and commercial hubs.
Roads adjacent to shopping hotspots such as Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Laxmi Nagar, Rajouri Garden, Lajpat Nagar, Saket, Greater Kailash, Chandni Chowk, Model Town, Sarojini Nagar, Chanakyapuri, Teen Murti, Okhla, and South Extension experienced significant traffic congestion, particularly during the evening rush hour.
Despite the presence of traffic signals, vehicles remained stationary, resulting in extensive gridlock on main thoroughfares like Ring Road and Outer Ring Road. Commuters found themselves spending hours traversing just a few kilometers.
“Those heading to airports and railway stations should leave home early and plan their journeys, taking the Diwali rush into account,” recommended a Delhi Traffic Police official.
The traffic police warned that the festive congestion is expected to persist for another two to three days.
In northern Delhi, locations such as GT Karnal Road, Azadpur, Wazirpur, Raj Niwas Marg, Ghanta Ghar Chowk, and Roshanara Road saw long traffic jams, with frustrated drivers unable to make progress.
Roadways leading to the borders of Delhi also faced congestion. NH-48 and Mahipalpur Road, which facilitate travel from Delhi to Gurugram, were severely choked, while Mathura Road, Kalindi Kunj, and Mayur Vihar remained blocked for several hours.
Special Commissioner of Traffic, Ajay Chaudhary, stated that steps have been taken to manage the festive rush.
A senior official mentioned that efforts are underway to alleviate congestion in market areas by removing vehicles parked in unauthorized zones.
The traffic police encouraged the public to utilize public transport options like the Delhi Metro to bypass road traffic.
DCP of Traffic, Rajeev Kumar, noted that congestion is primarily due to the increased foot traffic in market areas and regions near bus terminals and railway stations.
Police Commissioner Satish Golcha instructed district police chiefs not to establish checkpoints on busy roads that contribute to traffic jams.
Additionally, the traffic police issued a movement and parking advisory in anticipation of the live music event “Circus Maximus World Tour,” featuring the famous Hollywood rapper/singer Travis Scott at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium on Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to public parking at Sewa Nagar Bus Depot and Sunehri Pulla Bus Depot, several roads leading to the stadium and Lodhi Colony will be closed for traffic.
“The general public is advised to avoid B.P. Marg, Lodhi Road, and roads surrounding JLN Stadium during the event hours. Motorists should adhere to diversion signs and instructions from traffic police to minimize inconvenience,” concluded the advisory.
Point of View
I believe it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges faced by commuters during the festive season. While the influx of shoppers is expected, the city must enhance its traffic management strategies to ensure the safety and convenience of all residents and visitors. The current congestion highlights the need for a more robust public transport system and better planning around major events.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the traffic jams in Delhi on Dhanteras?
The traffic jams were caused by a significant increase in shoppers preparing for Diwali, leading to heavy congestion in major markets and commercial areas.
How long is the traffic congestion expected to last?
The Delhi Traffic Police has indicated that the congestion is likely to continue for another two to three days.
What measures are being taken to manage the traffic situation?
The Delhi Traffic Police has deployed all available personnel, removed unauthorized parked vehicles, and advised the public to use public transport like the Delhi Metro.
Are there any advisories for events happening this weekend?
Yes, there is an advisory for the 'Circus Maximus World Tour' concert, with recommended detours and closed roads around Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium.
What alternative routes should drivers consider?
Drivers are advised to avoid roads like B.P. Marg and Lodhi Road during the concert hours and to look out for diversion signs.
