Delhi traffic curbs today for BJP event marking Modi’s 25 years in public life

Commuters in Delhi are likely to face traffic disruptions on Wednesday morning as restrictions and diversions come into force around the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex for the BJP’s “Seva Jyoti” programme marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s completion of 25 years in public life.

The traffic restrictions will remain in place from 5 am to 1 pm, with Delhi Traffic Police advising commuters to avoid several major roads in and around central and east Delhi. A large number of BJP workers, leaders and vehicles are expected to converge on the venue for the programme.

Six major roads affected

Traffic will be regulated or diverted depending on ground conditions and operational requirements on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Mahatma Gandhi Marg or Ring Road, IP Marg and Vikas Marg.

The Salimgarh Bypass is also among the stretches commuters have been advised to avoid during the restricted period.

Police have advised motorists to avoid these roads between 5 am and 1 pm wherever possible and plan their journeys in advance. Commuters travelling through the affected parts of the city could face delays as traffic is diverted to alternative routes.

Several stretches face diversions

Traffic diversions are expected on both carriageways of Ring Road along the Shanti Van Crossing-Rajghat-Bhairon Marg stretch.

Movement will also be affected on the stretch between Geeta Colony Flyover, IP Flyover and Salimgarh Bypass. On JLN Marg, the W-Point-Delhi Gate and Delhi Gate-Rajghat stretches will be subject to regulation and diversion.

The Rajghat-Kisan Ghat/Power House Road stretch will also be affected. Both carriageways between ITO and Yamuna Bridge through IP Marg and Vikas Marg are among the stretches where commuters should prepare for restrictions.

Two roads closed from 6 am

Secretariat Road and Velodrome Road will be closed to traffic from 6 am onwards, depending on operational requirements.

The restrictions are intended to manage the movement of participants and vehicles arriving for the event at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex and prevent congestion on surrounding roads.

The affected zone includes some of Delhi’s important arterial routes connecting central Delhi with east Delhi and areas across the Yamuna. Diversions on IP Marg and Vikas Marg could consequently affect motorists travelling between ITO and east Delhi during the morning hours.

No parking on affected roads

Parking will not be permitted on the roads and stretches covered by the traffic restrictions. Vehicles found parked in prohibited areas may be towed away and their owners prosecuted, according to the advisory.

Traffic Police have asked motorists to follow instructions issued by personnel deployed on the ground and observe road signs and diversions.

With restrictions beginning before the morning rush hour, commuters heading towards central Delhi, ITO, Rajghat and adjoining areas have been advised to leave additional travel time and use alternative routes wherever possible.

BJP plans major programme

The restrictions have been imposed as the Delhi BJP holds its main “Seva Jyoti” programme at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex to mark Modi completing 25 years in public office.

Modi became Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001, and subsequently served as the state’s chief minister before becoming Prime Minister in 2014.

BJP workers and supporters from organisational mandals across Delhi are expected to take part in processions converging on the venue. Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, MPs, MLAs and senior national and state office-bearers are expected to attend the programme.

The BJP is holding programmes across the country to mark the milestone, including “Seva Yatras” and other events highlighting Modi’s tenure in public office.

Morning commuters advised caution

The most significant disruption in Delhi is expected between 5 am and 1 pm, particularly around the Indira Gandhi Stadium, ITO, Rajghat and the roads connecting central Delhi with the eastern parts of the city.

Traffic restrictions may be altered depending on crowd movement and operational requirements, meaning diversions could change during the morning.

Commuters have therefore been advised to avoid Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, IP Marg, Vikas Marg, JLN Marg, Ring Road and Salimgarh Bypass wherever possible during the restricted hours and follow traffic police directions while travelling through the affected areas.