Delhi Police has issued a detailed week-long traffic advisory ahead of the mega commemoration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Martyrdom Day, which is likely to attract thousands of devotees and visitors in the Red Fort area. Religious congregations, processions, and cultural events will be held every day this week, and the authorities have made preparations for heavy disruptions on all major road networks in central Delhi. Commuters have been advised to plan their travel in advance and avoid high-congestion zones; they are also being encouraged to use as much public transport as possible.
Heavy Traffic Expected Around Red Fort
The major commemoration programmes will take place around the historic Red Fort, one of the busiest cultural and tourist spots in the city. Anticipating a heavy turnout every day, the Delhi Traffic Police has demarcated stretches that may see acute congestion, slow traffic, or even temporary road blocks due to crowd expectations.
Some of the areas that are affected include:
Netaji Subhash Marg
Nishad Raj Marg
Lajpat Rai Market Road
Chandni Chowk Road
SP Mukherjee Marg
Old Delhi Railway Station approach roads
These are already some of the most traffic-intense corridors of Delhi, and the additional pressure due to visitors, private vehicles, and buses coming to attend the event may result in longer delays across the surrounding localities.
Planned Diversions and Restricted Zones
In anticipation of the crowd and vehicle movement, Delhi Police has planned a series of diversions for private vehicles, public buses, and goods carriers. Heavy commercial vehicles will not be permitted near the vicinity of the Red Fort area during peak hours of the function. Goods vehicles going towards Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, or Kashmere Gate may take other routes depending on the time.
Parking restrictions will also be strictly enforced in the vicinity of the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk. Only authorised vehicles, including emergency services, organisers’ vehicles, and official delegations will be permitted near the venue. For the general public, the nearest available parking spaces are designated farther away from the Red Fort with restricted access zones clearly marked by police teams.
Metro Services Recommended for Commuters
Commuters have been advised to make maximum use of the Delhi Metro in view of the festival to avoid gridlock, especially to reach Old Delhi. Metro stations at Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and Kashmere Gate are likely to receive higher footfall, and DMRC has been asked to increase frequency on major lines during peak hours of the events.
Authorities have also asked residents to avoid using personal vehicles to reach areas that are expected to be congested and, instead, use metro connectivity, feeder services, e-rickshaws and walking routes for travel over small distances.
Impact on Daily Life and Local Businesses
The week-long advisory is likely to impact not only daily commuters but also traders and shopkeepers in Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and adjoining markets. There could be some delay in the delivery schedule and movement of vendors at controlled entry points during certain hours. Business associations have been informed well in advance so that they can plan and make necessary adjustments.
For the working professionals who cross Central Delhi in order to get to work, commuting times could get really long. Authorities have encouraged employers to offer flexible timings or work-from-home options when possible to ease traffic pressures.
Security and Crowd Management Measures
Additional personnel from Delhi Police will be deployed, considering the significance of the event and the anticipated footfall, for crowd management, coordination, and security. CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and quick-response teams will remain active across key points near the Red Fort complex. Emergency medical teams, ambulances, and fire-safety units will also be stationed across the venue.
Barricades, signboards, and identified pedestrian lanes are being set up to facilitate safe passage. A combined team of Delhi Police, MCD, DMRC, traffic volunteers, and civil-defence teams are cooperating to ensure smooth execution of the event.
Public Called Upon to Keep Informed and Cooperate People have been advised to keep a tab on real-time traffic updates shared on the social media handles of Delhi Traffic Police and navigation apps. Closures, if any, might be done depending on crowd density or security reviews, and commuters have been asked to follow the instructions provided by personnel deployed in the field. Though this advisory may result in inconveniences, authorities maintain that these measures are imperative to guarantee safety and orderly conduct. With the public’s cooperation and adherence to the planned diversions, officials aim for minimal delays, smooth flow of traffic, and an incident-free and well-organized event.
