Traffic curbs, road closures and diversions from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. aim to ensure security for the Independence Day event, while commuters face congestion across central and North Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi Traffic Police imposed extensive road closures, diversions and vehicle restrictions across central and north Delhi on August 13 for the full-dress rehearsal of the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort. The restrictions caused significant congestion during the morning as they coincided with peak-hour traffic across the capital.
Delhi Traffic Police will enforce the same traffic arrangements again on August 15, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The restrictions will remain in place from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. Officials said the measures will strengthen security and ensure the smooth movement of authorised personnel and vehicles during the high-profile national event.
Road Closures Around the Red Fort
According to the detailed traffic advisory issued by Delhi Traffic Police, authorities barred general traffic from several important roads around the Red Fort. Only vehicles carrying valid rehearsal or parking labels could use these stretches:
- Netaji Subhash Marg between Delhi Gate and Chatta Rail Chowk
- Lothian Road from the GPO to Chatta Rail Chowk
- S.P. Mukherjee Marg from H.C. Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar Chowk
- Chandni Chowk Road from Fountain Chowk to the Red Fort
- Nishad Raj Marg
- Esplanade Road and its link road
- Ring Road between Rajghat and ISBT Kashmere Gate
Traffic police also advised motorists without valid labels to avoid the C-Hexagon at India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandra Road, Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, J.L. Nehru Marg, the Ring Road stretch between Nizamuddin Khatta and ISBT Kashmere Gate, and the Outer Ring Road through the Salimgarh Bypass.
Restrictions on Commercial Vehicles and Public Transport
Delhi Traffic Police imposed stricter restrictions on commercial and public transport from the previous midnight. Authorities prohibited goods vehicles from travelling between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge until 11 a.m. They also restricted interstate buses between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT.
Delhi Transport Corporation and other city bus services diverted their routes away from the Ring Road corridor between ISBT Kashmere Gate and Nizamuddin Khatta. Authorities shortened routes that normally ended at the Red Fort, Jama Masjid or Old Delhi Railway Station at locations including Ramlila Ground, Mori Gate, Tis Hazari and Boulevard Road.
Authorities expected normal bus services to resume after 11 a.m. once they lifted the restrictions.
Traffic police kept some river crossings open. Commuters could use the DND–NH-24/NH-9–Yudhister Setu–Signature Bridge–Wazirabad Bridge corridor. However, authorities closed the Old Iron Bridge and Geeta Colony Bridge towards Shanti Van.
Recommended Alternate Routes
Delhi Traffic Police recommended alternative routes for commuters travelling in different directions:
- North–South movement: Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Kautilya Marg, Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Park Street, Mandir Marg, Panchkuian Road and Rani Jhansi Road.
- East–West movement: NH-24/NH-9, Nizamuddin Khatta, Barapulla Road and the Ring Road.
- Trans-Yamuna to North Delhi: Pusta Road, GT Road and Yudhister Setu towards ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Morning Traffic Jams Trouble Commuters
Despite advance warnings, the restrictions caused noticeable congestion on August 13. Long queues formed on the Delhi-Dehradun highway after authorities imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles. Traffic pressure also increased around Shanti Van Chowk and Rajghat, below the IP Flyover and near Hanuman Mandir.
Police officials said some motorists continued to take their usual routes and entered restricted areas despite the advisories. This further increased delays. Commuters also reported difficulties while travelling to railway stations, schools and offices.
“Despite the traffic restrictions announced in advance, commuters did not follow the diversions and ended up getting stuck on the restricted routes,” DCP (Traffic) Central Range Nishant Gupta was quoted as saying.
Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Devesh Chandra Srivastava said the full-dress rehearsal helped authorities identify areas that needed improvement before the main event. He added that the entire police force remained on high alert.
Delhi Traffic Police urged people to plan their journeys in advance, leave early, follow designated alternate routes and comply with traffic signs and police directions. Officials also asked commuters to keep extra travel time for their journeys.
Authorities kept access to major hospitals such as JPN available through designated routes. Commuters could also reach key transport hubs through diverted corridors. Delhi Traffic Police encouraged people to use Metro services as a reliable alternative during the road restrictions.
The traffic restrictions form part of the regular security and traffic management arrangements that Delhi authorities implement during the annual Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Authorities will impose similar restrictions on August 15 as they prepare to host the national event in the heart of the capital.
Commuters should closely follow official Delhi Traffic Police updates and keep additional travel time in hand while travelling through central or north Delhi during the Independence Day weekend.
Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.