Heading Out on December 31? Check Delhi Traffic Police Advisory on Routes to Avoid, Restrictions and Timings

Planning to step out in Delhi on New Year's Eve? Commuters have been advised to stay alert and plan travel carefully as traffic restrictions come into force across several key areas of the capital ahead of celebrations welcoming 2026.

To manage crowd movement and ensure smoother traffic flow, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued detailed advisories covering Connaught Place, India Gate, Saket and Paharganj. The guidelines include vehicle restrictions, diversions, parking arrangements and alternative routes.

Connaught Place under strict vehicle curbs

Heavy crowding is expected in and around Connaught Place on the evening of December 31. In view of this, vehicle movement will be restricted beyond Mandi House, Bengali Market, the north foot of Ranjit Singh Flyover, Minto Road up to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg crossing and adjoining stretches.

These restrictions will be effective from 7.00 pm on December 31 until the celebrations conclude. Entry of vehicles into the Inner, Middle and Outer Circle of Connaught Place will not be permitted, except for those carrying valid entry passes.

For parking, motorists have been advised to use designated areas such as Kali Bari Marg, Pt. Pant Marg and Bhai Veer Singh Marg. Authorities clarified that Old Delhi Railway Station will remain unaffected, with access available via the second entry gate on the Ajmeri Gate side through Paharganj.

India Gate area sees traffic restrictions

The traffic police have also announced curbs around India Gate due to expected heavy pedestrian movement. Vehicle restrictions will be in place at Q-point, Mandi House, the Mathura Road stretch leading to Purana Qila and Sunheri Masjid Road.

Commuters have been urged to avoid these routes during peak hours and follow alternative north south and east west corridors suggested by the traffic police.

Saket advisory details diversions and routes

In South Delhi's Saket area, several roads will be affected as part of the New Year traffic plan. Press Enclave Road along with internal roads of Saket and Pushp Vihar will remain under restrictions.

Diversions will operate from Sheikh Sarai red light, Asian Market red light and PTS Malviya Nagar red light. Entry of heavy vehicles and DTC buses will be restricted on both carriageways of Press Enclave Road and Pushp Vihar from the MB Road. Commuters travelling from Chirag Delhi towards Qutub Minar have been advised to take the route via Kanpur.

Paharganj roads affected due to temple footfall

In Paharganj, traffic movement around Rani Jhansi Road is expected to slow down as a large number of devotees are likely to visit Shri Mata Jhandewalan Mandir during the New Year period.

Motorists have been advised to avoid Rani Jhansi Road during peak hours and use alternative routes such as DBG Road, New Rohtak Road and other adjoining roads. The traffic advisory for both Paharganj and Saket will remain applicable on December 31 and January 1.

The traffic police have reiterated their appeal to commuters to plan journeys in advance, follow on ground instructions and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and orderly New Year's Eve in the capital.