As New Delhi prepares for massive New Year's Eve celebrations, the Delhi Traffic Police has unveiled a comprehensive, citywide strategy to manage traffic and ensure public safety. The plan includes the deployment of nearly 100 special teams to conduct breathalyser tests and curb violations, with a sharp focus on drunk driving.
Key Restrictions in Central Delhi Zones
Special traffic restrictions will be enforced in the heart of the capital, specifically around Connaught Place (CP) and India Gate, starting from 7 pm on December 31. This is in direct response to the enormous crowds anticipated in these popular celebration hubs.
Authorities have stated that no private or public vehicles will be permitted to proceed towards Connaught Place beyond several designated cut-off points. The critical points where movement will be halted include:
- Mandi House
- Bengali Market and Gole Market
- Patel Chowk and Windsor Place
- Major intersections on Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Jai Singh Road, and RK Ashram Marg
Access to the inner, middle, and outer circles of Connaught Place will be completely barred, with the sole exception granted to vehicles displaying valid official passes.
Parking Arrangements and Alternative Routes
Limited parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the central business district. Designated parking areas include spots near Gole Dak Khana on Kali Bari Marg, Pt Pant Marg, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, behind All India Radio near Patel Chowk, and along Copernicus Marg, DDU Marg, and Press Road. The police have issued a strict warning that any vehicle parked illegally will be promptly towed away.
For commuters heading to the New Delhi Railway Station from the southern parts of the city, special arrangements are in place. While routes through Connaught Place and Chelmsford Road will be blocked, alternative paths via Mandir Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, and Ajmeri Gate should be used. It is clarified that the Old Delhi Railway Station will operate normally, unaffected by these New Year restrictions.
Advisories for Smooth Commute
In light of the expected surge in vehicles, motorists are strongly advised to use Ring Road, Mathura Road, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Subramaniam Bharti Marg for north-south and east-west travel, effectively bypassing the restricted central zones.
At India Gate, elaborate measures are planned to handle both vehicular and pedestrian flow. If crowding intensifies, traffic may be diverted from the C-Hexagon area and key junctions like Q-Point, Windsor Place, and Mandi House, as well as several intersections on Mathura Road.
Given the anticipated severe parking shortage near the National Zoological Park and Pragati Maidan, the public is urged to opt for public transportation and avoid Bhairon Road and Mathura Road during peak hours.
The Delhi Traffic Police has appealed to all citizens to plan their journeys well in advance, especially those with travel plans to airports, railway stations, and interstate bus terminals (ISBTs), and to extend full cooperation to the personnel deployed on the ground for a safe and happy New Year celebration.
