Delhi is gearing up for a massive New Year's Eve celebration to welcome 2026, with Connaught Place expected to be the epicentre of festivities. Anticipating huge crowds, the Delhi Traffic Police has rolled out an extensive traffic management plan to handle the surge and ensure safety and smooth movement across the capital.
Key Traffic Restrictions in Connaught Place
From 7 pm on December 31, 2025, until the celebrations conclude, stringent restrictions will be enforced in the Connaught Place area. All private and public transport vehicles will be prohibited from proceeding towards Connaught Place from multiple key points.
These entry points include Mandi House roundabout, Bengali Market, the north foot of Ranjit Singh Flyover, Minto Road-DDU Marg crossing, Chelmsford Road near Munje Chowk, R.K. Ashram Marg-Chitragupta Marg crossing, Gole Market, G.P.O., Patel Chowk, Kasturba Gandhi Road-Ferozeshah Road crossing, Jai Singh Road-Bangla Sahib Lane, and Windsor Place roundabout.
Furthermore, no vehicular traffic will be permitted in the inner, middle, or outer circles of Connaught Place. The only exception will be for vehicles carrying officially issued valid passes.
Parking Arrangements and Alternative Routes
To accommodate visitors, the Delhi Traffic Police has designated several parking zones near Connaught Place. These include areas near Gole Dak Khana on Kali Bari Marg, behind All India Radio near Patel Chowk, on Copernicus Marg near Mandi House, and on DDU Marg near Minto Road.
Other parking spots are located near Panchkuian Road on R.K. Ashram Marg, near K.G. Marg-Ferozeshah Road Crossing on Copernicus Lane, on Babar Road near Bengali Market, on Rajendra Prasad Road near Windsor Place, at Peshwa Road near Gole Market, and on Jantar Mantar Road near Buta Singh roundabout. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and unauthorized vehicles will be towed and prosecuted.
For those heading to New Delhi Railway Station from the south, specific routes have been outlined. Access via Chelmsford Road from Connaught Place will be blocked. Commuters are advised to use the station's second entry gate on the Ajmeri Gate side, approaching via Pahar Ganj-Shiela Cinema or via Ajmeri Gate, J.L.N. Marg. Traffic to Old Delhi Railway Station remains unaffected.
India Gate Arrangements and Public Advisory
Elaborate plans are also in place for India Gate, another major celebration hub. During periods of heavy pedestrian movement, vehicles may be barred from the C-Hexagon and India Gate areas. Diversions will be implemented from points including R/A Sunheri Masjid, Rajpath, Rafi Marg, R/A Rajendra Prasad Road, and Mathura Road-Purana Qila Road, among others.
Authorities have warned of potential congestion near Delhi Zoo on Mathura Road and advise motorists to avoid the Bhairon Road/Mathura Road stretch between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Pragati Maidan.
The Delhi Traffic Police strongly urges the public to use public transport, plan journeys to ISBTs, railway stations, and airports with ample extra time, and follow the instructions of deployed personnel. Patience and adherence to traffic rules are emphasized for a safe and happy New Year celebration. Citizens can stay updated through the official Delhi Traffic Police website for real-time information.
