New Delhi: In preparation for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, the Delhi Traffic Police has released a comprehensive traffic advisory outlining major route diversions and road closures across the national capital. The extensive security arrangements are set to affect vehicular movement significantly around the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation on August 15.
The traffic restrictions will commence effectively from the midnight of August 14. Starting at midnight, the movement of goods vehicles will be completely barred between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge, and this restriction will remain in place until eleven in the morning on August 15. Similarly, the operation of interstate buses between the Maharana Pratap Inter State Bus Terminus and Sarai Kale Khan Inter State Bus Terminus will be halted during this specified period.
The core restrictions will begin early on Independence Day. From four in the morning until ten in the morning, several key roads surrounding the Red Fort will be entirely closed to general traffic. These include Netaji Subhash Marg from Delhi Gate to Chhatta Rail Chowk, Lothian Road from the General Post Office to Chhatta Rail Chowk, SP Mukherjee Marg from HC Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar Chowk, and the Chandni Chowk Road from Fountain Chowk to the Red Fort. Nishad Raj Marg will also be shut between Ring Road and Netaji Subhash Marg. During this six hour window, only vehicles carrying officially authorised parking labels will be permitted to access these routes.
To ensure minimal inconvenience to commuters, the traffic police have provided multiple alternative routes. Motorists travelling between north and south Delhi can opt for Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Kautilya Marg, and Rani Jhansi Road. For east to west movement, suggested corridors include National Highway 24, Barapulla Road, and the Ring Road. However, commuters should note that both the Old Iron Bridge and the Geeta Colony Bridge leading towards Shanti Van will remain closed for traffic.
The advisory also highlights that bus routes from neighbouring states will undergo significant diversions. Vehicles approaching from Ghaziabad will be redirected via Bhopura Chungi Road and Wazirabad Road towards the Kashmere Gate terminal. Public transport services like local buses moving towards the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Old Delhi Railway Station will be terminated or diverted at alternative points such as Ramlila Maidan and Mori Gate.
Authorities have strongly advised citizens to plan their journeys well in advance, follow the displayed traffic signages, and cooperate with traffic personnel on duty to ensure a smooth and secure Independence Day celebration. All major routes and bus services are expected to resume normal operations after eleven in the morning.