Barricades and police vehicles replaced the usual stream of cars along Lutyens’ Delhi thoroughfare on Tuesday, forcing motorists to turn back or take long detours, and some abandoned their vehicles to walk to their destinations. For more than ten hours, several stretches in the capital’s power centre remained closed to regular traffic, with police vehicles stationed along the roads leading to government offices and VIP residential areas and a heavy deployment of security personnel.
Motorists were seen stopping at barricades and pleading with security personnel before turning back, while those with authorised identity cards were allowed through. Commuters reported crawling traffic, repeated diversions, long detours and a tiring search for parking outside the restricted zone. One driver said, “I have been going in circles for the past 45 minutes. I have been asked to take multiple detours, and I still haven’t managed to find my way to office, or a place to park my car.” Another commuter described the restrictions as turning a routine journey into a prolonged struggle, with several routes closed and traffic pushed toward adjoining roads.
Traffic congestion was reported near Patel Chowk and GPO roundabouts, Connaught Place Outer Circle, RML Hospital, Ashoka Road, Jaisingh Road, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Sansad Marg and Jantar Mantar. Congestion was also noted on major roads leading into New Delhi district, including Sardar Patel Marg, St Martin Marg, Ashoka Road, and the Dhaula Kuan junction. Delhi Traffic Police said traffic inspectors and the control room had been instructed to assess the ground situation and facilitate traffic movement, and that any restrictions would be eased as soon as operational conditions permit.
The road closures were imposed from 8 a.m. in view of the INDIA bloc march from the Parliament building to the Election Commission office. Opposition MPs and leaders marched toward the EC headquarters amid heavy security before being stopped near the NITI Aayog office on Parliament Street. Commuters were advised to avoid unnecessary journeys through Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road and adjoining areas, and to expect diversions, barricading and congestion.
