Delhi is all geared up to host the final G20 meeting under India’s Presidency, to be held on September 9 and 10. In the run-up to the event, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure zero loopholes in security and arrangements. Aligning with this, Delhi Traffic Police will be conducting the full dress rehearsal of its traffic measures during the G20 Summit. The rehearsal will take place throughout this weekend across south and central Delhi.
In regards to this, Delhi Traffic Police announced widespread restrictions spread across the region and people have been advised to avoid travel to these regions, wherever possible. Further, the public have been asked to plan their routes well in advance in order to avoid a series of stretches where traffic could be halted several times through Saturday and Sunday to make way for cavalcades that will be part of the drill. Commuters have also been asked to travel via the Delhi Metro as much as possible if travelling through these areas over the weekend cannot be avoided.
The affected stretches include several prominent areas such as the C-Hexagon surrounding the India Gate lawns, Sardar Patel Marg, Panchsheel Marg, Barakhamba Road traffic junction, Mathura Road, Bhairon Road to Ring Road, Janpath to Kartavya Path, Tolstoy Marg to Janpath, and Joseph Tito Marg to Siri Fort Road.
However, traffic disruptions will not be prolonged on carriageways towards New Delhi and the C-Hexagon will be periodically opened to facilitate smooth vehicular movement. The commuters have been advised to plan accordingly.
The rehearsal schedule for the weekend includes three shifts on both Saturday and Sunday, with different time slots for traffic restrictions. Despite the inconveniences, commuters heading to railway stations and airports will still be able to use private vehicles, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. However, traffic authorities anticipate congestion and delays, urging travellers to factor in extra time and consider utilizing the Delhi Metro whenever possible.
Bus services in the city are expected to remain largely unaffected, although certain routes may be diverted based on real-time traffic conditions.
These restrictions mirror the stringent measures that will be enforced during the G20 Summit, with the strictest protocols in place on September 9 and 10. In Lutyens’ Delhi, only residents and essential service providers will be permitted entry, subject to identity verification.
To minimize the impact of these restrictions, all bus services in the city will be temporarily suspended between midnight on September 7 and midnight on September 10. The Delhi Traffic Police has strongly advised the public to use Metro services during this period.
In an effort to assist commuters during the G20 Summit, the Delhi Traffic Police has launched a virtual help desk accessible at https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/dtpg20info. The help desk will provide real-time traffic updates, alternative route suggestions, and other relevant information.
While the restrictions have raised concerns among residents about their weekend plans, many appreciate the advance notice and the efforts made by authorities to minimize disruptions. As the city prepares for the G20 Summit, residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and plan their travel accordingly to ensure a smooth and safe experience during this high-profile event.