New Delhi: Delhi is witnessing heightened security and traffic restrictions on Sunday, November 1, as two political events are being held in different parts of the capital. The Congress-led INDIA bloc is organising a rally at Ramlila Maidan, while the BJP is holding a separate march in West Delhi.
Around 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel, including Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), CRPF and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed to manage security and crowd movement. Commuters have been advised to avoid affected stretches and allow extra time for their journeys.
The Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions in Central Delhi from 10 am to 5 pm and in parts of West Delhi from 9 am to 3 pm.
INDIA Bloc Rally At Ramlila Maidan: Security Arrangements
The INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Delhi’ rally is scheduled to begin at 11 am at Ramlila Maidan. MPs are expected to assemble at the Constitution Club before proceeding towards the venue from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction at noon.
Opposition leaders expected to attend include Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Hemant Soren, Revanth Reddy, Tejashwi Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav.
More than 4,000 security personnel have been deployed around Ramlila Maidan, along the Minto Bridge-to-venue route and in neighbouring areas. Additional security arrangements have been made around Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Bhagwan Das Road and locations near the Supreme Court and Election Commission of India office.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed in sensitive locations to prevent unauthorised gatherings. Security agencies are also monitoring the area through CCTV cameras, facial recognition systems and drones.
Central Delhi DCP Rohit Rajbir said around 200 to 250 CCTV cameras had been installed to monitor the rally area. He added that police personnel would be deployed along the procession route as well as inside the venue.
The police are coordinating with rally organisers, who have established their own control room and arranged volunteers to assist with crowd management.
Delhi Traffic Advisory: Roads Affected Around Ramlila Maidan
Traffic restrictions and diversions will remain in force in parts of Central Delhi between 10 am and 5 pm, depending on the movement of crowds and security requirements.
Traffic will be regulated at 10 major points:
- Netaji Subhash Marg T-Point
- Rajghat
- Delhi Gate
- ITO A-Point
- Ajmeri Gate Red Light
- Ranjeet Singh Flyover on Barakhamba Road
- Bhavbhuti Marg-DDU Marg Red Light
- Jhandewalan Roundabout
- Turkman Gate
- Mirdard Chowk
The following roads are also likely to experience congestion:
- BSZ Marg between ITO and Delhi Gate
- JLN Marg
- Aruna Asaf Ali Road
- Minto Road
- DBG Road
- W-Point
- Barakhamba Road towards Mandi House Roundabout
- Sikandra Road
- KG Marg
- Firoz Shah Road
- Chelmsford Road
Traffic movement may also be regulated near Guru Nanak Chowk, Kamla Market Roundabout, Hamdard Chowk and Turkman Gate.
DTC bus services operating along BSZ Marg, the Rajghat-JLN Marg stretch, DBG Road and Minto Road may also face diversions or changes depending on traffic conditions.
BJP Padyatra In West Delhi: Routes And Traffic Restrictions
Separately, the BJP is organising a march in West Delhi, beginning at 11:30 am from Hari Nagar Bus Depot and proceeding towards Tilak Nagar Metro Station.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi BJP president, Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Sardar HS Phoolka, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and MP Bansuri Swaraj are among those expected to participate. Members of the Sikh community are also expected to join the march.
The Traffic Police has announced possible restrictions in the area between 9 am and 3 pm.
Both carriageways of Jail Road, between Lajwanti Chowk and Tilak Nagar, may be temporarily closed depending on traffic conditions.
Commuters travelling from Hari Nagar towards Najafgarh Road and Tilak Nagar can use Sewa Marg via Lajwanti Chowk, Sagarpur T-Point and Pankha Road. Those heading towards Najafgarh Road and Rajouri Garden can take Mayapuri Road from Lajwanti Chowk.
The stretches likely to be affected include:
- Jail Road, from Lajwanti Chowk, including the flyover, to Tilak Nagar
- Lal Sai Marg, from Delhi Haat to Hari Nagar Road
- The stretch connecting Hari Nagar, Ghanta Ghar and DTC Depot Hari Nagar
Is Delhi Metro Closed Due To The Political Rallies?
There is no official announcement of a citywide shutdown or mass closure of Delhi Metro stations in connection with Sunday’s political events.
Pedestrian movement is largely permitted, although commuters may encounter restrictions around the rally and march venues. Travellers should check for any station-specific advisories before starting their journeys.
The authorities have also kept special corridors clear for emergency vehicles travelling towards Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP) and GB Pant Hospital.
Commuters are advised to follow traffic police instructions, avoid rally routes wherever possible and make alternative travel arrangements to minimise delays.
