Delhi traffic alert today, October 16: 21 key routes may be affected from 3 pm amid CJP rally
New Delhi: Traffic movement on several roads in and around Connaught Place is likely to be affected from 3 pm on Friday, October 16, amid a proposed gathering by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Central Park, the Delhi Traffic Police said.
In a traffic advisory, the police urged commuters to plan their journeys in advance, allow sufficient travel time and use public transport wherever possible. Traffic diversions may be introduced depending on the situation on the ground.
Commuters have also been asked to follow the directions of traffic personnel and monitor the Delhi Traffic Police's official social media channels for real-time updates.
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21 routes and junctions that may be affected
According to the traffic advisory, commuters have been advised to avoid or exercise caution at the following locations:
- Panchkuian Roundabout
- Mandi House Roundabout
- Dr Dinesh Nandini Dalmia Chowk (W-Point)
- Ram Charan Aggarwal Chowk (A-Point)
- Minto Road–Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg
- Guru Nanak Chowk
- Chelmsford Road–Connaught Place Outer Circle T-Point
- Bhairon Road–Ring Road (MG Marg) T-Point
- Lodhi Road Flyover
- Neela Gumbad Roundabout
- Sardar Patel Marg–Panchsheel Marg crossing
- Under Bhikaji Cama Place
- Under Moti Bagh Flyover
- Ring Road–San Martin Marg T-Point
- Ashoka Road–Jantar Mantar Road Roundabout
- Rail Bhawan Roundabout
- Jai Singh Road–Sansad Marg crossing
- CP Outer Circle–Barakhamba Road T-Point
- Patel Chowk Roundabout
- Jai Singh Road–Ashoka Road T-Point
- RML Hospital Roundabout
Central Park closed on October 16 and 17
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has also announced that Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17. The civic body cited "administrative reasons" for the temporary closure.
Section 163 order in force
A prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas, Delhi Police said.
The police have appealed to protesters not to violate the order. At the same time, they told the Delhi High Court that they may consider arrangements to allow a select group of people to gather at a suitable location to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem.
The assurance was given during a hearing on a petition filed by Anil Kumar Gupta, a licensed street vendor at Palika Bazar, who approached the court citing concerns over possible disruption to business activities due to the proposed gathering.
Also read | Delhi High Court refuses to restrain CJP protest at Connaught Place on October 16
Commuters advised to allow extra travel time
Passengers travelling towards Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and interstate bus terminals have been advised to allow additional time for their journeys.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel through Connaught Place and central Delhi during the affected period and opt for public transport, particularly the Delhi Metro, wherever possible.