Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan on Nov 1

Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions on several central Delhi roads on Sunday in view of an INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan, while a proposed march by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is yet to receive permission. The arrangements will remain in force from 10 am to 5 pm.

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As per the advisory, diversions will be introduced depending on traffic conditions rather than being imposed uniformly throughout the day. The restrictions come as the INDIA bloc prepares to bring supporters to Ramlila Maidan for a protest against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.

Which Delhi roads may face diversions?

Officials have identified several busy junctions where vehicles may be redirected, including Delhi Gate, Rajghat, the Netaji Subhash Marg T-point, ITO A-point, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate, Mirdard Chowk and the Jhandewalan roundabout. Traffic may also be regulated near the Ranjeet Singh Flyover on Barakhamba Road and at the junction of Bhavbhuti Marg and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg.

Heavy congestion is expected on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg between ITO and Delhi Gate, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg from Rajghat towards Ajmeri Gate, and stretches of Minto Road, Barakhamba Road and Desh Bandhu Gupta Road. Roads around Kamla Market and Hamdard Chowk may also be affected, while bus movement on some corridors could be regulated as crowds arrive and leave.

Police have advised drivers not to park on roads near the venue and to keep access clear for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Additional traffic personnel will be deployed to manage junctions and guide vehicles to designated parking areas. A separate passage near Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital has been planned for emergency traffic.

Alternative routes for New Delhi Railway Station

The advisory is particularly important for passengers travelling to New Delhi Railway Station, as delays on approach roads could affect train journeys. Those coming from the Desh Bandhu Gupta Road side have been advised to use Chelmsford Road, the Outer Circle of Connaught Place, Minto Road and Bhavbhuti Marg, subject to restrictions on the ground.

Passengers travelling from east Delhi have been advised to use ITO, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg and Bhavbhuti Marg. Commuters have been asked to keep additional travel time in hand, consider using the Metro and check Delhi Traffic Police updates before leaving home.

Rally permitted, but Connaught Place march lacks approval

Delhi Police have made a distinction between the rally at Ramlila Maidan and the procession proposed by Rahul Gandhi. While permission for the rally has been granted subject to conditions, police sources said no request had been received for a march beginning near the Connaught Place-Minto Road junction.

Gandhi has asked supporters to assemble at noon and walk through Ajmeri Gate to the rally ground. In a post on X, he wrote, “See you tomorrow, let’s walk together!” Police have not yet announced whether the proposed procession will be allowed.

The INDIA bloc is holding the rally against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. It has alleged irregularities in the exercise and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Security arrangements at Ramlila Maidan

More than 4,000 police personnel, supported by Central Armed Police Forces units, will be deployed for the event, officials said. The venue has been divided into 14 security zones, with more than 200 CCTV cameras and other surveillance arrangements in place.

Entry checks and designated gates will be used for people attending the rally. Organisers have been instructed to end the programme by 5 pm and ensure that participants disperse afterwards. Police have also sought details of volunteers and buses bringing people to the venue, while traffic teams will regulate movement around the ground and adjoining roads.

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