New Delhi: Traffic movement across central Delhi is likely to be affected on Nov 1 when a large gathering is expected at Ramlila Maidan for a Congress-led Opposition rally.Delhi Traffic Police has deployed additional personnel across the Central Range and identified parking facilities at Metro and railway stations to manage the anticipated rush.The rally is part of the Congress-led INDIA bloc’s campaign against alleged irregularities in the electoral process, particularly the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.The Opposition has demanded the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the Election Commission of facilitating what it calls a “vote chori”, or vote theft.Congress leaders have described the gathering as a major show of strength, with party units mobilising supporters from across the country.Special traffic arrangements will be in place from 10am to 5pm. Depending on the prevailing traffic situation, diversions may be enforced at 10 points, including Netaji Subhash Marg T-point, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, ITO A-point, the Ajmeri Gate red light, Ranjeet Singh Flyover at Barakhamba Road, Jhandewalan roundabout, Turkman Gate and Mirdard Chowk.Several arterial roads and adjoining stretches are likely to witness congestion. These include Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, from ITO to Delhi Gate; JLN Marg, between Rajghat and Ajmeri Gate; Aruna Asaf Ali Road; Minto Road; DBG Road; Barakhamba Road; and stretches around Kamla Market and Hamdard Chowk.Traffic movement between Guru Nanak Chowk, Kamla Market, Hamdard Chowk, and Turkman Gate will be regulated based on the prevailing situation.K Ramesh, DCP, central traffic range, said, “Additional personnel would be deployed alongside existing staff to guide people towards designated parking facilities and ensure smooth traffic movement. Separate passageway (will be made) before LNJP Hospital for movement of emergency vehicles. Parking facilities have been identified at select locations, including the railway parking area opposite LNJP Hospital, DMRC parking lots and Rajghat. Special arrangements have also been made at key intersections to prevent vehicles from being parked indiscriminately or adding to congestion.”Movement of DTC buses on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, the Rajghat-JLN Marg stretch, DBG Road and Minto Road will be regulated, depending on the traffic condition.Passengers travelling to New Delhi Railway Station have been advised to plan their journeys in advance. Those approaching from the DBG Road side can take Chelmsford Road, Connaught Place’s Outer Circle, Minto Road and Bhavbhuti Marg. Passengers coming from east Delhi can use ITO, DDU Marg and Bhavbhuti Marg to reach the Ajmeri Gate side of the station.Traffic police have urged commuters to use the metro wherever possible, park only at designated facilities, avoid roadside parking and follow instructions issued by personnel deployed on the ground. Motorists have also been asked to keep carriageways clear for emergency vehicles.
