Traffic movement around Connaught Place is likely to be affected from 3 p.m. on October 16 because of a proposed Cockroach Janata Party gathering at Central Park, with the Delhi Traffic Police advising commuters to plan journeys and use public transport wherever possible.
The advisory covers several major roads in and around the central Delhi commercial district, including Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Janpath, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Panchkuian Road, Minto Road, Tilak Marg and Tolstoy Marg. The stretches around Rail Bhawan, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Gole Dak Khana, Mandi House and the ‘C’ Hexagon may also be affected.
In a post on X, the Delhi Traffic Police said traffic movement on certain roads was likely to be affected from 3 p.m. onwards because of the proposed gathering at Central Park. It advised commuters to allow sufficient travel time, follow the directions of traffic personnel and use public transport wherever possible. The police said diversions may be implemented depending on the prevailing situation.
The New Delhi Municipal Council said on October 15 that Central Park would remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for “administrative reasons”. The closure removes access to one of Connaught Place’s principal public open spaces during the period covered by the traffic advisory.
Delhi Police also said that a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. The police appealed to protesters not to violate the order, while stating that they may consider arrangements allowing a select group of individuals to gather at a suitable location to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem.
The affected road network includes routes connecting Connaught Place with central government offices, major commercial streets, residential areas and interchange points around New Delhi. Commuters travelling through the area during the afternoon have been asked to account for possible diversions and delays. The traffic police advisory did not specify how long any diversions would remain in force; arrangements will depend on the prevailing situation, according to the police.
