Delhi traffic restrictions and route diversions are expected to continue on Sunday after police imposed extensive security measures during a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The restrictions are affecting movement in and around New Delhi, although metro and railway services have been restored after Saturday’s disruption.
According to the report by Live Hindustan – NCR, the protest, described as ‘Jantar-Mantar 2.0’, was called by the Cockroach Janata Party and other organisations. Police stopped protesters before they could reach Jantar Mantar, where security arrangements had been significantly strengthened. The report, citing the Press Trust of India, said more than 7,000 people were detained, including party founder Abhijit Deepke and four former chief ministers.
Anjikya Shinde, who is leading the protest in Deepke’s absence, has announced another demonstration on Sunday. Delhi Police has extended the restrictions for a further 48 hours, with traffic diversions continuing in the New Delhi area. Several central Delhi markets, including Sadar Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place and Karol Bagh, may remain closed, although Sunday trading patterns may also affect business activity.
Emergency medical movement has been exempted from roadblocks and diversions. People travelling by private vehicle to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Hospital or Sucheta Kriplani Hospital in the New Delhi area have been advised to carry documents related to their treatment to help avoid delays during traffic checks and congestion.
Passengers travelling to the airport from central or east Delhi have been advised to use the Airport Express Line instead of travelling by road. Those who must drive from central Delhi can use routes through Paharganj, Jhandewalan Metro Station, Vandematram Marg and Dhaula Kuan. Travellers from east Delhi can use Mayur Vihar, the DND flyway, Ring Road, Dhaula Kuan and National Highway 8.
Office workers and traders who need to travel by road have been advised to use the Ring Road and Outer Ring Road. Cabs and auto-rickshaws heading towards central Delhi may be limited, and passengers could face higher fares because of surge pricing. Interstate buses will continue to operate from Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan bus terminals, according to the report.
Rail passengers affected by cancellations are eligible for a full refund. Refunds for tickets booked online through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation will be credited automatically, while passengers holding counter tickets can seek refunds at railway reservation counters without cancellation charges.
Delhi Metro services were restored at 10 pm on Saturday after 45 stations were reportedly closed during the day. Railway services were also restored from midnight. The next operational milestone is the continuation or withdrawal of the traffic diversions and security restrictions after the announced 48-hour period.
