A Delhi traffic advisory has been issued ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s ‘Tiranga March’ at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday, with traffic expected to be affected across key Central Delhi roads after 3 pm. The Delhi Traffic Police has asked commuters to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and use public transport wherever possible.
The advisory covers roads around Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar and the central government district. The Delhi Traffic Police said traffic diversions may also be introduced depending on the situation. Commuters have been asked to follow instructions from traffic personnel deployed along the affected routes.
The roads that may experience disruption include Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Panchkuian Road, Basant Lane, Chelmsford Road, Minto Road, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Tilak Marg, Sikandra Road, Janpath, the area around Rail Bhavan, Rafi Marg, C-Hexagon, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Gol Dak Khana, Ashoka Road between GPO and C-Hexagon, and Tolstoy Marg.
The traffic police has advised people to avoid unnecessary private vehicle use during the march and to keep additional time for their journeys. Motorists have also been asked not to park vehicles on the roadside, as parked vehicles could further affect traffic movement and the implementation of diversions.
Security arrangements have been strengthened around Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place in view of the march. The report said a large police deployment and several contingents of paramilitary personnel have been positioned in the area to monitor the situation and maintain public safety.
The march follows the arrest of CJP co-convenors Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das on October 13. They were accused of entering Jantar Mantar without permission and were sent to five days of judicial custody. CJP leader Abhijeet Deepke has described the police action and the arrests as illegal.
The New Delhi Municipal Council has informed the police that Central Park will remain closed on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons. The report said the closure is part of the arrangements around the event.
The Delhi Police has said that, considering the prevailing security and law-and-order situation, a small group of 11 people may be permitted to unfurl the national flag and sing the national anthem during the CJP’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march. Commuters travelling through Central Delhi on Friday afternoon and evening have been advised to check route conditions and follow directions issued at the spot.
