Match Day Alert: Big Traffic Curbs in Delhi Today, Commuters Warned of 10-Hour Restrictions

New Delhi: There is a South Africa vs Zimbabwe T20 World Cup match at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, so Delhi Traffic Police has already issued an alert. Due to crowd and security, there will be a lot of traffic disturbance around the stadium. Due to this, special arrangements will be made from 12 noon to 10 pm. Regarding this, Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for the people.

Which routes will be most affected? 

• J.L.N. Route (Rajghat to Delhi Gate, roads on both sides, up to Kamla Market Roundabout)
• Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg (Delhi Gate to Ramcharan Agarwal Chowk/ITO)
• Asaf Ali Road (Turkman Gate to Delhi Gate)

These roads can remain quite tight one hour before the start of the match and one hour after its end. Diversions will be imposed if needed, checkpoints and barriers can also be installed. Heavy vehicles (trucks etc.) will be prevented from moving from Daryaganj to Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and from Guru Nanak Chowk to Asaf Ali Road. The traffic police appeal that if you are going to watch the match or have to pass nearby, then plan in advance. Use metro or public transport, do not leave at the last minute, or you may get stuck in traffic.

What will be the parking arrangements?

There will be a ban on public parking near the stadium; limited places have been reserved for pass holders only. Police have informed that parking zones will be provided on Meta Sundari Road, Rajghat Power House Road and Velodrome Road, from which spectators will be taken to the stadium through park and ride facility. Unlabeled vehicles will not be allowed near the stadium and illegal parking may result in fine and removal of the vehicle.

Who is giving special advice to whom?

Commuters and office-going employees have been advised by Delhi Traffic Police to adopt alternate routes, change travel time and use metro or bus as much as possible. For those using public transport, Delhi Metro is likely to announce additional services and some extensions till late night. Special pick-up and drop-off points have also been designated for taxi services and ride-share platforms.

How will the security arrangements be?

Heavy police deployment has been made in view of the match. Along with traffic police, local police and special security forces will also be deployed at the stadium and surrounding routes. Barricading, CCTV surveillance and intelligence input patrolling have been increased for crowd control. Officials have warned that suspicious objects or activity should be immediately reported to the concerned control room.

Will normal daily life be affected?

Commercial and office commuters may face possible delays; school-university routes and local bus routes may also be affected. Everyday drivers are requested to leave early, use alternate routes and avoid parking on roads near the stadium perimeter. Separate arrangements will be made for entry of emergency services and supply vehicles.

What is expected from the public?

The administration and police have appealed for cooperation and said that the spectators should reach on time, follow the prescribed entry gate and parking instructions and give priority to public transport. Live traffic updates will be provided on social media and official channels, so people should check the notifications regularly to plan their routes and timings. The aim of the administration is to conduct the event in a peaceful and orderly manner, hence the cooperation of the citizens will be decisive.