Delhi Traffic Alert: Major Diversions on Oct 12 Amid Congress Protest March
Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for diversions across New Delhi and Central Delhi on Oct 12 due to Congress protest march to the Supreme Court.
Commuters in the national capital should prepare for significant travel delays and route changes this Monday, October 12. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a critical advisory warning of widespread traffic disruptions and diversions across New Delhi and Central Delhi.
The move comes in response to a massive protest march organized by the Congress party and members of the INDIA bloc, who intend to march toward the Supreme Court. The protest is centered on allegations regarding irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and demands for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Widespread Disruptions Expected Across Key Hubs
According to the official advisory, traffic management measures will be implemented starting from 6:00 AM on October 12. The police noted that these diversions will be dynamic, meaning they may be adjusted, relaxed, or tightened based on real-time ground assessments and the evolving law and order situation.
Major intersections, flyovers, and arterial roads are expected to be heavily impacted. Commuters should be particularly cautious near the following locations:
- Central Delhi Hotspots: Roundabout Shankar Road, Vande Matram 'T' Point, Dhaula Kuan Flyover, Roundabout Jhandewalan, Roundabout Panchkuian, Roundabout Mandi House, and Minto Road/Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.
- Key Intersections: Roundabout Neela Gumbad, Lodhi Road Flyover, Sardar Patel Marg-Panchsheel Marg Crossing, and the areas under Bhikaji Kama Place and Moti Bagh Flyover.
- Lutyens' Delhi & Government Areas: Roundabout Ashoka Road-Jantar Mantar Road, Tolstoy-Janpath Crossing, Roundabout Rail Bhawan, Jai Singh Road-Sansad Marg Crossing, and the areas around Patel Chowk and RML Hospital.
- Connaught Place Vicinity: Various T-points including Chemsford Road-Outer Circle, Bharion Road-MGM (Ring Road), and Outer Circle Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road.
Travel Advice for Airport and Station Commuters
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a specific warning to travelers heading toward railway stations, Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs), and the airport via New Delhi and Central Delhi. Travelers are strongly advised to:
- Plan journeys well in advance.
- Allow for significant additional travel time.
- Avoid non-essential travel through the affected zones if possible.
Political Tensions Escalate
The protest follows a call from Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who urged youth, opposition parties, and civil society groups to unite and march to the Supreme Court. Using the slogan "Daro mat" (Do not fear), Gandhi encouraged citizens to participate in the demonstration following previous instances of protestor detentions in the city.
The political standoff intensified after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant rejected a request from INDIA bloc leaders to meet and submit a representation regarding alleged electoral irregularities. The CJI stated that since the matter is already sub judice, the leaders must approach the court by filing a formal petition.