Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to allow extra travel time on Wednesday as Durga idol immersion processions and increased movement around temporary immersion ponds are expected to disrupt traffic across several parts of the city.
The advisory covers areas in south, east, west and south-west Delhi, where roads near पूजा pandals, procession routes and designated artificial ponds could experience congestion. The traffic impact is expected to intensify as devotees and vehicles move towards immersion sites following the conclusion of Durga Puja celebrations.
In south Delhi, idols from Durga Puja pandals in Chittaranjan Park are expected to be taken to Astha Kunj Park near Sant Nagar in East of Kailash. Traffic movement on the Outer Ring Road, Lal Lajpat Rai Road and Astha Kunj Road may be affected between 9 am and 3 pm, according to the advisory.
Several locations in east and north-east Delhi are also expected to see increased traffic pressure. Eleven artificial ponds have been created in these areas for idol immersion. Near the pond at the DDA Ground in Shastri Park, congestion may affect Shastri Park Chowk and Pushta Road.
Traffic movement may also be affected around the pond at the MTNL Ground in Yamuna Vihar. The advisory identifies Wazirabad Road, Bhajanpura Chowk and connecting roads in Yamuna Vihar as routes where vehicle pressure could rise during the immersion activity.
In north-east Delhi, the pond at Deer Park in Dilshad Garden and the immersion site at the Tahirpur Sports Complex may affect traffic on GT Road and roads connecting Dilshad Garden with Tahirpur. The immersion pond at the municipal ground in Shiv Vihar could also lead to congestion on Karawal Nagar Road and connecting roads in Shiv Vihar.
The traffic disruption is linked to both the movement of idols from neighbourhood pandals and the gathering of devotees near the temporary ponds. The arrangements are intended to allow immersion close to पूजा sites and support environmental protection by reducing the need to use natural water bodies, according to the report.
Large crowds were reported at पूजा pandals in Chittaranjan Park, Aram Bagh, Minto Road and Mandir Marg during the final stages of the festival. Cultural programmes, traditional rituals and processions are scheduled around the immersion, adding to the movement of pedestrians and vehicles in nearby areas.
Delhi Traffic Police has asked vehicle users to plan journeys with additional time, particularly during the daytime period when immersion-related movement is expected to be highest. The advisory identifies the listed roads and connecting routes as the main areas requiring caution on Wednesday.
