Agencies | New Delhi:
The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance and avoid affected stretches wherever possible as traffic restrictions and regulated movement will be enforced around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas on Friday.
The advisory has been issued in view of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and student unions, who are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations of large-scale deletion of voters.
According to the traffic advisory, commuters travelling through central Delhi should expect diversions, barricading and possible delays as traffic arrangements are put in place around the protest site.
Traffic moving from Connaught Place towards Patel Chowk will be diverted through alternate routes, while movement from Patel Chowk towards GPO will be regulated or diverted at appropriate points depending on the traffic situation.
Traffic movement along Tolstoy Marg will also be regulated or diverted. The Traffic Police has advised motorists to avoid the stretch wherever possible and use alternative routes.
Movement on Jantar Mantar Road will remain restricted or diverted, with motorists advised to make alternate travel arrangements.
The Traffic Police has specifically advised commuters to avoid Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road and adjoining roads wherever possible.
The advisory cautioned that barricading and traffic diversions may be introduced depending on the situation.
“Barricading and traffic diversions may be put in place. Commuters should expect increased travel time on adjoining roads,” the Traffic Police said.
Motorists travelling towards Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Parliament Street and other parts of central Delhi have been advised to plan alternate routes and allow additional time for their journeys.
The Traffic Police has also warned commuters against stopping or parking vehicles on or near regulated stretches.
“Stopping or parking of vehicles on or near the regulated stretches is prohibited and may further disrupt traffic movement,” the advisory said.
The Traffic Police said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will remain applicable in the specified area in accordance with orders issued by the competent authority.
Commuters have been urged to cooperate with traffic personnel and comply with directions issued by authorities and on-ground personnel to ensure smooth movement and minimise inconvenience.
With the protest expected to affect traffic around the central Delhi corridor, commuters have been advised to check route conditions before starting their journey and avoid the affected areas if their travel plans permit.
