New Delhi: Several key roads across Delhi and the National Capital Region witnessed severe traffic congestion as Delhi Police implemented traffic diversions and stepped up security ahead of a protest scheduled for Saturday, October 10. Heavy traffic was reported on the Delhi-Noida route via Kalindi Kunj and at the Delhi-Gurugram border, with vehicles crawling for kilometres during the evening rush hour.
The congestion disrupted daily commutes, particularly for people travelling between Delhi and its neighbouring cities. On the Delhi-Noida road via Kalindi Kunj, a massive traffic jam was reported between Sarita Vihar and the Kalindi Kunj border, where vehicles moved at a snail's pace and long queues caused considerable delays.
The situation was similarly grim at the Sarhaul border between Delhi and Gurugram, where long lines of vehicles built up, leaving thousands of motorists stuck. Traffic diversions and barricading linked to the protest arrangements added to the pressure on roads leading into the national capital during peak evening hours when office-goers were returning home. Daily commuters reported that journeys normally taking 15 to 20 minutes stretched to between one and two hours.
The congestion also affected major roads connecting Gurugram's Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, and MG Road to Delhi as vehicles struggled to navigate the affected stretches. Frustrated motorists took to social media to flag the traffic blocks and seek assistance, while personnel from the Delhi and Gurugram traffic police were deployed at borders and nearby intersections to regulate movement.
Motorists were advised to remain patient and consider alternative routes, including MG Road and the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway, where feasible. The disruptions coincided with intensified security measures at city borders, including rigorous vehicle checks, bus inspections, and passenger screenings.
Authorities prepared to regulate traffic at 30 key locations across Delhi, with further restrictions and diversions dependent on the prevailing law-and-order situation. Additional Commissioner of Police for Traffic Dinesh Gupta stated that no road would be completely closed, noting that decisions on traffic management would be adapted promptly to ground conditions while urging commuters to monitor official social media channels for real-time updates.