Festive Rush Brings Delhi Traffic To Standstill As Shoppers Flock Markets For Dhanteras, Security Tightened

Delhi Police stated that they have implemented extensive measures to manage traffic flow. A senior traffic officer said personnel are conducting checks and patrols on key roads.

Massive traffic snarl in Delhi on Tuesday as large crowds of shoppers thronged markets for Dhanteras.

Source : ANI

Traffic in Delhi came to a halt on Tuesday as large crowds of shoppers thronged markets for Dhanteras, causing significant delays and inconvenience for commuters. Several commuters reported heavy traffic on social media platform X, highlighting congestion at key points such as the Badarpur flyover, CV Raman Marg, Punjabi Bagh, Badarpur Mehrauli Road, Taimur Nagar-Maharani Bagh Road, Ashram, and Yamuna Vihar.

Sunil Yadav, a legal advisor in a private firm, stated, "The traffic was heavy from Barahpullah flyover towards Sarai Kale Khan. The vehicles were crawling on the road on that particular stretch." Another commuter Vivek Singh said the traffic was massive between Madhuban Chowk to Rohini East Metro station.

According to a report by news agency PTI, Delhi Police stated that they have implemented extensive measures to manage traffic flow. A senior traffic officer said personnel are conducting checks and patrols on key roads.

#WATCH | Delhi: Traffic snarl in Laxmi Nagar, amid festive season. pic.twitter.com/sJtBHn0WEN

— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2024

"We have deployed personnel on bikes to check the encroachment on busy roads which could lead to traffic congestion in the area. People who are coming to the markets are also been informed that they should park their vehicles at designated places. The personnel have loud speakers on their bikes to make the flow of traffic smooth. Non-destined vehicles are not being allowed to enter the national capital. Continuous anti-encroachment drive is also been carried out in the crowded places," the officer said.

A video shared by the news agency ANI shows heavy traffic and slow vehicular movement on the Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) flyway. The video also covered traffic congestion in the Laxmi Nagar, Sarai Kale Khan, and Karol Bagh areas of the national capital.

#WATCH | Traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement on Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) flyway, amid festive season. pic.twitter.com/e9kkbfjzEm

— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2024

Police Unexpectedly Barricaded Entire Area, Disrupting Festive Atmosphere: Khan Market Trader Association

Meanwhile, markets have seen a surge in shoppers, further contributing to the traffic situation. Sadar Bazar Traders' Association president Rakesh Yadav told PTI, "In Sadar Bazar, barricading has been done at every gate, which has helped reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, the FRS (Facial Recognition System) is also being utilised here, which will help identify any criminal suspects entering the area and alert the police." Similarly, the security at Sarojini Nagar and Khan Market has also been raised.

The situation of Khan Market's traffic was under control till Monday. But, on Tuesday, police personnel unexpectedly barricaded the entire area, disrupting the festive atmosphere, according to Sanjiv Mehra, president of Khan Market Trader Association.

#WATCH | Delhi: Massive traffic snarl at Sarai Kale Khan, amid festive season. pic.twitter.com/q9oCqg8Ohx

— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2024

In preparation for Diwali, local businesses and residents adorned the market with festive decorations, only to have their efforts undone by sudden barricading. As a result, Khan Market appeared unusually empty on Dhanteras, Mehra noted.

#WATCH | Delhi: Traffic congestion and slow vehicular movement in Karol Bagh, amid festive season. pic.twitter.com/EXNRT9x3qw

— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2024

Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Traders' Association, said, "The police have made elaborated arrangements at our market. Paramilitary forces along with the local police have been deployed in and outside the market.

"We have also given eight private guards to police in order to help them in security. On October 29, 2005, an incident of bomb blast had taken place in Sarojini Nagar market on the occasion of Dhanteras and the DCP of our area also came to the market to pay homage to the victims," he said.

Delhi also glows with vibrant lights as the national capital gears up for Diwali celebrations, with dazzling scenes captured at India Gate, Rail Bhawan, and other landmarks.

VIDEO | Delhi decked up in colourful lights as the national capital prepares to celebrate Diwali. Visuals from India Gate, Rail Bhawan and other places.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/rmwC6cGB4A

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 29, 2024

In light of the festive season, the Delhi Metro announced that it would run an additional 60 trips on Tuesday and Wednesday to enhance commuter convenience and reduce crowding. The metro system typically operates around 4,000 trips daily.