Delhi-NCR traffic grinds to halt, commuters stuck for hours amid CJP protest curbs

Journeys that usually take just 10 to 20 minutes stretched to as long as two hours as severe traffic congestion gripped key routes in Delhi due to the traffic curbs ahead of the CJP protest.

In Short

• Severe traffic jams hit Delhi-NCR on ahead of CJP protest
• Heavy congestion at Kalindi Kunj and Delhi-Gurugram border
• Commuters face delays of up to two hours during peak hours

Several key roads across Delhi and the National Capital Region witnessed severe traffic congestion on Friday evening, leaving commuters stranded for hours as Delhi Police implemented traffic diversions and stepped up security ahead of the CJP's protest scheduled for Saturday, October 10.

Heavy traffic was reported on the Delhi-Noida route via Kalindi Kunj and at the Delhi-Gurugram border, with vehicles crawling for kilometres during the evening rush hour. The congestion disrupted daily commutes, particularly for people travelling between Delhi and its neighbouring cities.

On the Delhi-Noida road via Kalindi Kunj, a massive traffic jam was reported between Sarita Vihar and the Kalindi Kunj border, where vehicles moved at a snail's pace. The stretch connecting the two cities witnessed long queues of vehicles, causing considerable delays for commuters.

The situation was similarly grim at the Sarhaul border between Delhi and Gurugram, where long lines of vehicles built up, leaving thousands of motorists stuck. Traffic diversions and barricading linked to the protest arrangements in Delhi added to the pressure on roads leading into the national capital.

The impact was particularly severe during the evening peak hours, when office-goers were returning home and other commuters were travelling towards Delhi. Daily commuters said journeys that normally take 15 to 20 minutes were stretching to between one and two hours.

The congestion also affected major roads connecting Gurugram's Cyber City, Udyog Vihar and MG Road to Delhi, as vehicles struggled to move through the affected stretches.

Frustrated commuters took to social media to flag the traffic block and seek assistance from the traffic police. Personnel from the Delhi and Gurugram traffic police were deployed at the border and nearby intersections to regulate vehicle movement.

Motorists were advised to remain patient and consider alternative routes, including MG Road and the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, where feasible.

The traffic disruption came as Delhi Police stepped up security at the city's borders ahead of the October 10 protest. Vehicle checks were intensified at border points and key intersections, with police inspecting buses and other vehicles and screening groups of passengers deemed suspicious.

The police are also preparing to regulate traffic at 30 key locations across Delhi on Saturday, with restrictions and diversions to be introduced depending on the prevailing law-and-order situation.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dinesh Gupta said no road would be completely closed, adding that decisions on traffic management would be taken promptly in response to the situation on the ground. He also urged commuters to follow the Delhi Traffic Police's social media platforms for updates.

- Ends