Delhi deploys 10,000 personnel, announces traffic curbs ahead of INDIA bloc rally
Delhi deploys 10,000 personnel and imposes traffic curbs for the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan and a BJP counter-march.
The national capital has been turned into a fortress on Sunday as the Congress-led INDIA bloc prepares for its massive 'Chalo Delhi' rally at Ramlila Maidan. To ensure law and order during this high-stakes political gathering and a simultaneous counter-march by the BJP in West Delhi, the administration has deployed a staggering 10,000 security personnel across the city.
Massive Security Deployment
The security apparatus includes a coordinated effort between the Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Rapid Action Force (RAF). A significant portion of this force—over 4,000 personnel—has been specifically stationed around Ramlila Maidan and the transit route from Minto Bridge to the venue.
To prevent any untoward incidents, multi-layered barricading has been established in several high-profile zones, including:
- Connaught Place
- Jantar Mantar
- Bhagwan Das Road
- Areas surrounding the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India office
In a move to curb unauthorized gatherings, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed in sensitive areas. Security agencies are leaving nothing to chance, utilizing a high-tech surveillance network that includes drones, CCTV cameras, and AI-powered facial recognition systems to track crowd movements in real-time.
The Political Showdown
The 'Chalo Delhi' rally is scheduled to kick off at 11 am. Members of Parliament will first assemble at the Constitution Club before marching toward Ramlila Maidan from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction at noon.
The event is expected to draw the heavyweights of the Opposition, with top leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Hemant Soren, Revanth Reddy, Tejashwi Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav slated to attend.
Traffic Chaos: Diversions and Restrictions
Commuters in Central Delhi are facing significant disruptions as the Delhi Traffic Police have implemented strict regulations and diversions between 10 am and 5 pm. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the affected routes and opt for the Metro to avoid congestion.
Major Diversion Points:
Traffic is being regulated at 10 key points, including:
- Netaji Subhash Marg T-Point and Rajghat
- Delhi Gate and ITO A-Point
- Ajmeri Gate Red Light and Turkman Gate
- Ranjeet Singh Flyover at Barakhamba Road
- Bhavbhuti Marg-DDU Marg Red Light, Jhandewalan Roundabout, and Mirdard Chowk
Areas Expecting Heavy Congestion:
Heavy traffic is anticipated on BSZ Marg (between ITO and Delhi Gate), JLN Marg, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Minto Road, DBG Road, and W-Point. Additionally, Barakhamba Road towards Mandi House Roundabout, Sikandra Road, KG Marg, Firoz Shah Road, and Chelmsford Road are likely to be choked.
The impact extends to public transport as well, with DTC bus operations being regulated along Minto Road, DBG Road, and from Rajghat to JLN Marg. Passengers heading to the New Delhi Railway Station have been urged to use alternative routes.
Surveillance and Monitoring
"We have covered the entire area with 200 to 250 CCTV cameras," stated DCP Central Rohit Rajbir, noting that the police are coordinating closely with the organizers, who have established their own control room to monitor the event.