Central Delhi traffic remained largely manageable on Friday, but protest-related security restrictions caused major disruption around Connaught Place’s Inner Circle and Mandi House during the festive rush, according to a report by the Times of India – Delhi. The Delhi Metro continued to operate, providing an alternative for commuters as police barricades, vehicles and buses narrowed or closed key roads.
Connaught Place’s Inner Circle emerged as the main trouble spot. By 5pm, police vehicles and buses were positioned along both sides of the road, leaving only a single row of vehicles able to pass at some points. By about 5.30pm, the entire stretch appeared to have been shut to traffic as protesters began marching.
Mandi House, particularly Barakhamba Road, also experienced congestion after AISA’s Neha Bora called for a Tiranga march. The report said the disruption was more limited than on several recent protest days, with most roads in central Delhi continuing to move relatively smoothly.
The restrictions followed security arrangements linked to CJP’s ‘Lehra do Tiranga’ call and protests over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Areas where security remained tight included Rajiv Chowk metro station, Janpath, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, State Entry Road, Chelmsford Road, Inner Circle, KG Marg, Windsor Place, Rafi Marg, Rail Bhavan, Sunheri Masjid, C-Hexagon, Sansad Marg, Minto Road, Tolstoy Marg, Barakhamba Road flyover, Mandi House and DDU Marg.
The traffic impact came as Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations were under way and festive shopping activity increased around central Delhi. Connaught Place, one of the capital’s major retail, dining and public gathering districts, was among the areas where commuters faced uncertainty over access. Residents questioned how families attending celebrations in and around Connaught Place could plan their journeys when road restrictions were imposed at short notice.
The report also recorded concerns about the wider effects of recurring traffic curbs. Users said restrictions could affect shopkeepers and festive sales, while schoolchildren travelling in buses, ambulances and people trying to reach trains or flights could face delays. One social media post said traffic at Connaught Place’s Outer Circle was normal at about 5.15pm, highlighting the uneven nature of the disruption across nearby roads.
With the Metro running, commuters had an alternative route through the central Delhi area, although access to stations and the final road journey remained subject to security restrictions. The affected road network includes several important connections between Connaught Place, government districts, commercial streets and Mandi House. The report did not specify when the restrictions would be lifted or provide details of a separate traffic diversion plan.
