Traffic curbs from next week for festive rush

NEW DELHI: Traffic restrictions will be put in place on roads leading to major Durga Puja pandals and Ramlila venues from the next week. The traffic police has advised commuters to avoid Outer Ring Road as well as stretches near CR Park and Greater Kailash due to a large number of devotees gathering in these areas. Sources said aerial surveillance might also be used to monitor both traffic and crowd during the festive season.
Officers said that in south Delhi, vehicles going towards Govindpuri would be diverted through Kalkaji Main Road or Maa Anandamayee Marg, while those exiting CR Park and GK would take Masjid Moth and GK-2 Main Road.The police expect heavy traffic at East of Kailash, Kailash Colony, towards Modi Mill, Ashram, GK and Moolchand during the Puja days. A large number of pandals are scheduled for inauguration on October 5 in south and central Delhi, which is likely to increase the traffic volume in these areas.
Congestion is also expected around Red Fort, Parade Ground, and near Old Delhi railway station—main areas for Ramlila celebrations—over the next few days, the police said.
The traffic police plans to convert the main road in CR Park towards Deshbandhu College into a one-way during peak hours while Bipin Chandra Pal Marg will be open for vehicles exiting the colony. No heavy vehicles, including goods vehicles, will be allowed to enter Greater Kailash-II or CR Park during this period. Similar measures may be taken at RK Puram, depending on the volume of traffic. Parking restrictions may also be imposed on Minto Road and Mandir Marg.
The police said the Puja and Ramlila committees across the city had been asked to arrange for parking space. “Parking will not be allowed on main roads. Only vehicles belonging to residents with valid stickers will be allowed to pass,” said a senior traffic police officer.
Organisers have also been asked to employ volunteers to guide the crowd to avoid congestion and confusion.