DBG Road traffic has improved during peak hours after the Delhi Traffic Police temporarily closed three road cuts to reduce unnecessary crossings, merging and conflict points on the busy New Delhi corridor. The arrangement has been in place since October 1 and is being assessed as a trial.
The closures were implemented by the traffic police’s Central Range after officials reviewed traffic pressure, available road width, and the location of existing cuts and intersections. According to the police, some of the cuts were being used relatively infrequently, while allowing cross-movement across the road increased merging and created conditions for congestion and potential collisions.
The three closed locations are the cut below the foot overbridge near Keshav Kunj, the PP Jewellers cut and the cut in front of Bali Nursing Home. The changes affect vehicles travelling along Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, where traffic movement is being managed by reducing direct crossing points between opposing or intersecting streams of vehicles.
The traffic police said the trial has led to a noticeable improvement in traffic flow during peak hours. The department has also received positive feedback from local residents, resident welfare associations, market welfare associations and other organisations in the surrounding area. The response is being considered alongside traffic observations as officials review whether the closures should continue.
The trial does not yet amount to a permanent road redesign. Traffic police officials said the three locations would be assessed continuously, and that permanent closure could be considered if the results and local feedback support the move and the proposal is found technically and administratively feasible.
The police are also taking action against encroachment and parking violations on and alongside the road. Since October 1, 190 challans have been issued for improper and roadside parking, while 144 vehicles have been clamped, according to the traffic police. These measures are being carried out alongside the cut closures to address obstruction and reduce disruption to moving traffic.
The arrangement will remain under review during the trial period. A decision on making the closures permanent will depend on the recorded traffic results, feedback from local stakeholders and the technical and administrative assessment by the Delhi Traffic Police.