A Delhi traffic advisory is in effect for Connaught Place and surrounding roads from 3 p.m. on October 16, as the Cockroach Janata Party’s proposed gathering at Central Park is expected to affect movement in central New Delhi. The Delhi Traffic Police has asked commuters to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time and use public transport wherever possible.
In an advisory posted on X, the police said traffic movement on certain roads in and around Connaught Place was likely to be affected from 3 p.m. onwards because of the proposed gathering. The police added that diversions could be implemented depending on the prevailing situation and asked commuters to follow directions issued by traffic personnel.
The affected stretches include Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Panchkuian Road, Basant Lane, Chelmsford Road, Minto Road, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Janpath, Rail Bhawan, Rafi Marg and the ‘C’ Hexagon. Other roads listed in the advisory are Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Gole Dak Khana, Ashok Road from the General Post Office to the ‘C’ Hexagon, Tilak Marg, Tolstoy Marg and Sikandra Road.
The New Delhi Municipal Council also announced on October 15 that Central Park in Connaught Place would remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for “administrative reasons”. The closure covers the venue identified for the proposed gathering and extends beyond the period of likely traffic disruption announced by the police.
Delhi Police said 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. It also said it “may consider making arrangements to permit a select group of individuals to gather at a suitable location for the purpose of carrying the national flag and singing the national anthem”.
The advisory places the likely disruption across several important central Delhi corridors connecting Connaught Place with government offices, commercial areas, railway access points and major radial roads. Commuters travelling through Sansad Marg, Janpath, Barakhamba Road, Minto Road and roads around the ‘C’ Hexagon have been advised to account for possible diversions and follow instructions at the site.
