Festive Chaos: Delhi Traffic Congestion Defies Police Management Plan
Despite special management plans for Diwali and Chhath Puja, Delhi faces massive traffic gridlocks at Anand Vihar and Ghazipur.
The festive spirit in the national capital has been met with a frustrating reality for commuters. Despite the implementation of specialized management measures, Delhi traffic congestion reached critical levels on Friday morning, November 6, 2026. Massive gridlocks and endless queues of vehicles were reported as early as 5:00 AM, leaving travelers stranded in a sea of brake lights.
Early Morning Gridlock at Key Hubs
The chaos was most evident in the Anand Vihar and Ghazipur areas, where vehicles were seen crawling at a snail's pace. This surge in traffic comes at a time when the city is bracing for a massive influx of passengers traveling for a string of major festivals, including Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja.
The Traffic Police Strategy: A Detailed Plan
To combat the anticipated rush, the Delhi Traffic Police launched a comprehensive management plan running from November 5 to November 15. The authorities have deployed significant resources to keep the city moving, though the results on the ground have been mixed.
Manpower and Diversions
- Personnel Deployment: A total of 172 traffic personnel have been stationed specifically in the Anand Vihar area to regulate flow.
- Strategic Diversions: Traffic diversions have been enforced at the Ghazipur roundabout and along the stretch connecting Ramprastha and Vivek Vihar.
- Strict No-Stopping Zones: To prevent bottlenecks, parking, waiting, or halting is strictly prohibited on both sides of Road No. 56, especially near the entry and exit gates of the Anand Vihar ISBT.
Key arteries under intensified surveillance include Road No. 57 (Swami Dayanand Marg) and Road No. 56 (Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg).
Advice for Commuters: How to Navigate the City
With the current situation, authorities are urging drivers to avoid the most congested zones and seek alternative paths to reach their destinations.
Recommended Alternate Routes
For those traveling toward NH-24, Sarai Kale Khan, or Barapullah, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway via GT Road is suggested. Meanwhile, commuters heading toward Dilshad Garden or Ghaziabad are advised to use the route via Akshardham.
Parking Solutions
To reduce on-road obstructions, private vehicle owners are encouraged to use designated parking areas:
- Kaushambi Road near the Maruti showroom.
- DDA land located near NH-24.
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a stern warning: any unauthorized parking or obstruction of traffic will lead to immediate prosecution and the towing of the vehicle.
The Pollution Factor: GRAP Restrictions
Adding another layer of complexity to the traffic crisis are the ongoing pollution-control measures. Under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), certain restrictions are currently in place, including bans on interstate diesel buses and non-BS-VI vehicles. This has limited the options for transport and shifted more pressure onto the available road infrastructure.
Authorities continue to urge the public to plan their journeys well in advance, avoid unnecessary trips into the ISBT area, and prioritize public transport to ease the burden on the city's roads.