New Delhi: Commuters faced traffic snarls across several parts of Delhi on Saturday as heavy festive shopping crowds, restrictions linked to National Unity Day events, vehicle breakdowns and security arrangements ahead of the INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday contributed to widespread congestion.

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Several arterial roads across central, south, north and east Delhi witnessed bumper-to-bumper traffic. Ongoing infrastructure work in key areas of south Delhi and congestion around Sarai Kale Khan further worsened the situation, with traffic merging from the recently opened Barapullah Phase-3 flyover and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway onto the already busy Ring Road.

Traffic chaos across key stretches

The situation was particularly difficult on both carriageways of the Ring Road between Bhikaji Cama Place and the Indraprastha (IP) flyover. Heavy congestion was also reported on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, National Highway-9 (NH-9) and the Delhi Noida Direct (DND) flyway towards Sarai Kale Khan from Ghaziabad, east Delhi and Noida.

Vehicle queues stretching beyond a kilometre were reported towards Ghaziabad from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) toll booths at Ghazipur during the afternoon.

Commuters attributed the gridlock near the Ghazipur border to the breakdown of several vehicles, including a truck, and irregular toll collection from commercial vehicles.

In south Delhi, the Ring Road stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and Bhikaji Cama Place was among the worst affected. The section between the Sarai Kale Khan flyover and the DND flyway cut was particularly congested, partly due to fruit vendors occupying roadside spaces.

"We regularly disperse such vendors, but they return or change their spots," a police officer said.

Rahul Gandhi appeals to rally participants to support local traders

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to people travelling to Delhi for Sunday's INDIA bloc rally to support local traders by shopping at small businesses during their visit.

In a video statement posted on X, Gandhi said lakhs of people were expected to reach the national capital from different parts of the country for the demonstration at Ramlila Maidan against alleged electoral irregularities.

Pointing to the festive season, with Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj around the corner, he urged visitors to combine their participation in the march and rally with some shopping.

"Along with protesting, marching and attending the rally tomorrow, do a little shopping too," he said, adding that this would help local traders.

Gandhi also dismissed claims that the rally would affect businesses, accusing the BJP of spreading rumours out of fear.

Opposition gears up for show of strength

Preparations are under way for the INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan, with opposition leaders and supporters from several states beginning to arrive in Delhi. The demonstration is aimed at protesting alleged electoral irregularities and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

A large tricolour canopy has been erected over the main stage, while separate arrangements have been made for representatives of the alliance's constituent parties.

The programme will begin with a march from Minto Road to Ramlila Maidan, followed by the rally. Political parties, student groups and civil society organisations are expected to participate.

The mobilisation also extends beyond the alliance's political constituents. The INDIA bloc has appealed to students, young people, women, workers and members of civil society to join the demonstration. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and various student bodies have also extended their support.

PTI