Delhi traffic curbs are expected across Connaught Place and adjoining parts of Central Delhi from 3 pm on Friday as the Cockroach Janta Party’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march is scheduled to begin at 5 pm, according to the Delhi Traffic Police. The advisory covers several roads and intersections around the capital’s commercial and administrative core.
The protest is planned at Central Park, located inside Connaught Place’s Inner Circle. The Delhi Police has appealed to people not to assemble at the park, while the New Delhi Municipal Council said the public space would remain closed on Friday and Saturday “due to administrative reasons”. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has not announced any station closures so far.
Traffic diversions may be introduced depending on the situation and the movement of participants gathering at Central Park. Roads identified as likely to be affected 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, Rafi Marg, Tilak Marg and Tolstoy Marg.
The advisory also covers areas around Rail Bhawan, C-Hexagon, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Gole Dak Khana and Sikandra Road. The stretch of Ashoka Road between the General Post Office and C-Hexagon is also included. These routes connect Connaught Place with government offices, major commercial areas, transit points and several arterial roads in New Delhi, making the restrictions relevant to both private vehicles and public transport users.
The traffic police has advised commuters to plan journeys in advance, allow extra time and use public transport wherever possible. Motorists have been asked to follow instructions from personnel deployed in the affected areas, avoid roadside parking and use designated parking facilities. Real-time updates and alternative routes will be available through the Delhi Traffic Police website and its official social media platforms. Commuters can also contact the traffic police helpline at 1095 or 011-25844444.
The march follows the group’s demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls. The protest call also comes after the arrests of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka earlier this week. All India Students’ Association’s Neha Bora and the Aam Aadmi Party are expected to be present at the gathering, according to the report.
Around 25,000 personnel were scheduled to be deployed across New Delhi, with an additional 5,000 personnel being called for the march, sources cited in the report said. Multiple detention buses had been positioned near Palika Bazaar, including around 16 buses between Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Road on Thursday.
DCP (PRO) Neha Yadav said prohibitory orders were already in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas to “maintain peace and protect lives and public and private property”. The police said they could facilitate a selected group to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location. Further diversions and restrictions will depend on the movement of participants and instructions issued by traffic personnel during the march.
