As the festive spirit of Diwali takes hold, Delhi is grappling with severe traffic jams across multiple parts of the city, prompting the Delhi Police to take stringent measures. On Thursday, with roads choked and intersections gridlocked, the police canceled all leaves for traffic personnel to ensure better management of the chaotic situation.

"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," Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary told PTI.

However, the efforts come amid widespread commuter frustration, with social media flooded with complaints of bumper-to-bumper jams in key areas like Connaught Place, Rajpath, ITO, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and Khan Market. Several users reported that travel times have doubled, and normally smooth routes are crawling with vehicles.

Markets such as Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, and Karol Bagh are bustling with festive crowds spilling onto roads, further aggravating the traffic situation. Heavy jams were noted on major roads like Outer Ring Road, Mathura Road near Pragati Maidan, NH-48 flyover on the Delhi-Gurugram corridor, and various central and northwest Delhi locations.

“Every major road is jammed today. It took me 90 minutes to reach ITO from Dhaula Kuan,” a commuter said on X.

Another wrote, “It already feels like Diwali; cars, not lights, are flooding Delhi.”

No sharing sweets or gifts

In addition to tackling traffic woes, the Delhi Police have also issued a strict directive banning officers and personnel from visiting senior officers’ residences with gifts or flower bouquets during Diwali. The circular, issued on October 10 and circulated to all senior police officials across the city, warns that any violation will be “viewed adversely.” The order aims to curb unnecessary visits and maintain discipline during the festival.

"All officers or men are directed not to visit the residence of any of their senior officers with or without gifts or even flower bouquets on the occasion of Deepawali," the order said.