Delhi-Noida Traffic Comes to a Standstill Amid Diwali Rush: Videos Show Jam-Packed Roads

Heavy traffic jams were reported across parts of Delhi and the Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) Flyway on Tuesday as festive season shoppers crowded the streets for Dhanteras. The surge of market-goers led to significant delays, with commuters experiencing standstills at numerous locations.

Social media was flooded with videos of congestion in areas like Laxmi Nagar, Karol Bagh, and Sarai Kale Khan, with users sharing updates from other heavily impacted spots, including Badarpur Flyover, CV Raman Marg, and Taimur Nagar-Maharani Bagh Road. One commuter posted on X: "Traffic is choked at New Ashok Nagar metro station and in a 300-meter radius. No traffic personnel are in sight to resolve this."

Another commuter voiced frustration, stating, "Traffic has been stopped for the last 25-30 minutes on Badarpur flyover due to VIP movement. Even ambulances are stuck."

In another part of the city, Sunil Yadav, a legal advisor, noted the "heavy traffic from Barapullah Flyover towards Sarai Kale Khan." Similarly, Vivek Singh described slow-moving traffic between Madhuban Chowk and Rohini East Metro station.

Delhi Police's Response

Delhi Police assured that extensive arrangements were made to keep traffic flowing smoothly. A traffic police officer mentioned that personnel on bikes were deployed to prevent encroachment on busy roads. "We're informing market visitors to use designated parking areas. Personnel on bikes with loudspeakers are also directing traffic, and non-essential vehicles are restricted from entering the city center," the officer explained.

Crowded Markets and Security Measures

In Sadar Bazar, barricades at every gate have reportedly helped reduce congestion, and the Facial Recognition System (FRS) is in place to alert authorities about any suspicious activity. Rakesh Yadav, president of the Sadar Bazar Traders' Association, highlighted these measures. Sarojini Nagar and Khan Market also saw increased security, with paramilitary and local police patrolling both inside and outside the markets. Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Traders' Association, shared that private guards were assisting police. A tribute was paid to the victims of the 2005 Dhanteras bombing in Sarojini Nagar.

Additional Metro Services

In response to the festive rush, Delhi Metro introduced an additional 60 trips on Tuesday and Wednesday, increasing the usual 4,000 daily trips to help ease congestion for commuters.