Delhi traffic advisory today: Diversions, six Metro station closures amid Opposition march

If you are travelling through central Delhi today, your usual route may take longer than expected. Traffic diversions, barricades and restrictions at Metro stations are affecting movement as security is tightened ahead of an Opposition march to the Supreme Court.

The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on Monday, October 12, warning that traffic conditions could change throughout the day depending on the situation on the ground. Commuters have been asked to avoid non-essential journeys through affected areas and allow extra time to reach the airport, railway stations and interstate bus terminals.

Which Delhi roads and junctions are likely to face traffic delays?

According to the traffic advisory, diversions may affect several major junctions and roads across Central and New Delhi. These include Panchkuian, Mandi House, Neela Gumbad, Rail Bhawan, Patel Chowk and RML Hospital roundabouts.

Motorists have also been warned about possible congestion near Dr Dinesh Nandini Dalmia Chowk, Ram Charan Aggarwal Chowk, Minto Road, Lodhi Road flyover, the Sardar Patel Marg-Panchsheel Marg crossing, and areas around the Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh flyovers.

Parts of the Ring Road, Connaught Place's Outer Circle and roads connecting Barakhamba Road, Sansad Marg and Jai Singh Road may also be affected.

In its advisory, the police said diversions would be implemented from 6 am depending on prevailing conditions. Motorists should follow instructions from traffic personnel rather than rely on their usual routes.

Which six Delhi Metro stations are affected today?

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that entry and exit at six stations would remain closed from 6 am to 4 pm on October 12, citing security reasons.

The affected stations are Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road. However, interchange facilities remain available at all six stations, allowing passengers to change Metro lines without exiting the station. The Times of India reported that the restrictions would be reviewed by security agencies, with further updates depending on the situation.

Commuters travelling through central Delhi should check official Delhi Metro and Traffic Police updates before setting out, particularly if their journeys involve these stations or nearby roads.

Why is Delhi on high alert today?

The restrictions come ahead of the INDIA bloc's planned march towards the Supreme Court, scheduled to begin at 1.30 pm from the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction.

Opposition leaders, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, want to submit a memorandum raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They are also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The allegations remain contested. The Election Commission has maintained that electoral roll revisions are intended to remove ineligible entries and allow eligible voters to enrol.

The march follows earlier protests and security restrictions in Delhi. The Supreme Court had directed authorities on October 11 to protect peaceful assembly, ensure free movement subject to traffic regulations, and keep Metro services operating according to the prevailing law-and-order situation. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant subsequently declined the Opposition leaders' request for a meeting, saying their concerns could be raised through judicial proceedings.

How can commuters check the latest Delhi traffic updates?

Delhi Traffic Police has advised the public to plan journeys in advance, avoid affected stretches where possible and follow instructions from officers on the ground. For assistance, commuters can call the traffic helpline on 1095 or 011-25844444. Updates are also available through the Delhi Traffic Police's official social media accounts.

With restrictions subject to real-time security assessments, checking for the latest advisory before leaving home is the safest way to avoid unnecessary delays.

(With inputs from ANI)