Published on: October 17, 2025 | 6:29 PM IST
As the festive season kicks off, commuters in Delhi-NCR are beginning to experience significant traffic congestion across multiple key routes. With Diwali just around the corner, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory urging people to plan their travel carefully, consider alternative routes, and allow extra travel time to avoid delays.
Police Preparations for Diwali Traffic
In anticipation of the holiday rush, the Delhi Police cancelled the leaves of all traffic personnel starting Thursday. The force has deployed maximum personnel across the city, including officers on motorcycles, to monitor and manage traffic efficiently.
“Maximum deployment has been made across the city. Personnel on motorcycles have been deployed, and leaves have been cancelled. We are fully prepared to manage the rush and ensure smoother movement in the coming days,” said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary.
Commuters have been advised to follow updates from the Delhi Traffic Police on X (formerly Twitter) via @dtptraffic, and to use navigation apps to identify congested stretches in real time.
Current Traffic Disruptions and Diversions
Several parts of Delhi are witnessing severe traffic slowdowns due to road damage, repair work, and high vehicle density. Key areas impacted include:
- Bhera Enclave Chowk: A large pothole formed on the main road due to a damaged Delhi Jal Board sewer line, causing major bottlenecks.
- Diversions: Traffic from Vikaspuri is being rerouted through the underpass towards Peeragarhi, while vehicles from Jwala Heri are redirected towards GH-14.
- Mathura Road: Vehicles heading from Badarpur to Ashram Chowk faced disruption after a Cluster bus broke down near the NFC Red Light, creating a bottleneck during peak hours.
- Key Market Areas: Heavy vehicular movement is also being reported near major markets due to increased shopping activity for Diwali. This includes long jams in areas such as Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, and Connaught Place.
Traffic Management Measures in Markets
To ensure smoother movement during the festival, special traffic plans have been drawn up for areas expected to experience high crowding. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dinesh K Gupta explained that:
- Vehicles parked in no-parking zones are being removed.
- Challans are being issued immediately, both on-site and via the challan app, to discourage illegal parking.
- Deployment of traffic personnel has been increased around crowded market areas to manage both vehicles and pedestrian movement effectively.
Advice for Commuters
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued several guidelines for residents and visitors during the Diwali period:
- Plan Your Travel: Allow extra time to reach your destination, particularly if traveling during peak evening hours.
- Check Updates: Follow @dtptraffic on X (formerly Twitter) for live updates on congestion, accidents, and diversions.
- Use Navigation Apps: Apps like Google Maps and Waze can provide real-time traffic data and alternative route suggestions.
- Avoid No-Parking Zones: Adherence to parking regulations is critical to prevent traffic jams and ensure smooth flow.
- Follow Police Instructions: Traffic personnel are deployed citywide; cooperating with their directions can significantly reduce delays.
Factors Contributing to Traffic Congestion
The traffic scenario in Delhi ahead of Diwali is being influenced by multiple factors:
- Festive Rush: Increased shopping and festival-related travel in major markets.
- Road Repairs: Ongoing repair work and road damage, such as potholes and damaged sewer lines.
- Vehicle Density: A surge in personal and commercial vehicles on key arteries of the city.
By anticipating congestion and using alternative routes, commuters can minimize delays and avoid areas with reported bottlenecks.
Key Takeaways
The Delhi Traffic Police is making concerted efforts to manage the holiday rush effectively:
- Cancellation of leaves ensures full manpower availability.
- Maximum deployment of traffic personnel, including motorcycles, facilitates quick response to traffic snarls.
- Special measures in high-traffic markets aim to reduce congestion and maintain smooth movement.
- Real-time updates via social media and navigation apps help commuters make informed travel decisions.
By following the police advisory, planning travel in advance, and being aware of ongoing diversions, residents and visitors can navigate Delhi more efficiently during Diwali, ensuring safer and quicker commutes amid the festive celebrations.
Leave a Reply