Two days of heavy traffic are expected in Delhi as security is increased for the India visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The police have been able to tighten security in the national capital by implementing various security measures and also have been able to clear the crucial corridors and streets leading to the President’s cavalcade right from the time of his arrival, with the same continuing till Friday.
Security measures and routes under watch
A strict security blanket will be draped over the airport-to-hotel route, important government precincts, and the locations on the tour destination list. Over 50 private Russian security personnel have been collaborating with the Delhi Police along with other related agencies to secure and oversee the security of the visit.
NSG, SWAT, QRTs, and anti-terrorism teams are ice-breaking at crucial junctions and key places. The security in layers and AI monitoring, snipers, drones, and competent CCTV range. The Delhi Police officers and other senior officials are watching the operations, while the ‘on-ground’ teams are ready to act quickly and effectively.
Putin has plans to take a car from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI)/Palam and he’ll be heading to Chanakyapuri via Sardar Patel Marg. It is advised that people expect severe traffic on NH8, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Cantonment, and Sardar Patel Road. In the late evening, possible traffic diversions may also cut off access along Panchseel Marg and Shanti Path because of the expected presence of diplomatic missions in the vicinity.
Friday zones of high traffic volume and situation time-dependent segments
Urban networks are projected to be overloaded on Friday morning at around the time the official convoy will move to the Raj Ghat for a wreath-laying ceremony. Therefore, one might face a probability of getting stuck in traffic jam on roads surrounding Rajghat, India Gate, Delhi Gate, and ITO, where traffic movement might be regulated between the times of 9 am to 12 noon.
The spots where major restrictions for the vehicles are planned:
– W Point, A Point, ITO Chowk, BSZ Marg, Delhi Gate, JLN Marg
– Rajghat Crossing, Shanti Van Crossing, Hanuman Setu-Y Point
– Netaji Subhash Marg, Nishad Raj Marg, Saleem Garh Flyover By-Pass
– MGM-Pragati Maidan Tunnel to Hanuman Setu
– Kashmere Gate, Vikas Marg, IP Marg
It’s likely that the Bharat Mandapam event might get so crowded that vehicular movement might not be possible. For instance, there could be jams around the area of Mathura Road, Mandi House, and Bhairo Road. The roads near Rashtrapati Bhavan might get blocked off, and the traffic would be at a standstill around India Gate, Central Secretariat, and the roads nearby.
Metro, parking and commuter guidance
According to the traffic advisory issued by Delhi, people would face the hassle of getting in and out of some Metro stations when the event is going on. Therefore, they have to keep extra time in mind for travel, go through station-wise updates, and with gates being opened periodically, think of another interchange.
Parking space will be available in specific zones only. It will still not be allowed at Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg, and on Ring Road portions from Hanuman Setu to Shanti Van to Rajghat, IP Flyover to Pragati Maidan Tunnel, and Nishad Raj Marg to IP Marg, respectively. Any vehicle hopelessly parked in no-parking areas will be hauled, and the owner will be fined.
Get all the updates in real-time by following the Delhi Traffic Police X handle. It is better for drivers to stay off the listed corridors during the hours of peak restriction hours and opt for alternative routes if possible. Using public transport, carpooling, and off-peak travel contribute to the reduction of delays.
What you will see on the schedule
Once in Delhi, Putin, the Russian president, will be taken to ITC Maurya, a hotel in the posh Chanakyapuri area. The places he is going to visit include Raj Ghat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Hyderabad House, and Bharat Mandapam. But, why would he like to go there?
The city is at unrest and the President’s visit to Bharat Mandapam will only result in a dramatic increase in security. Throughout the Pragati Maidan, India Gate, and Central Secretariat belts, layers of protection will converge. Prepare for the day of the event, as authorities will stop or redirect traffic when the President travels.
Significance of the visit
Vladimir Putin’s current visit to India marks a new chapter in the relations of the two countries, which have been strained since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. The two voted statesmen will engage in a two-day program hosting the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, with the central criteria being economic development, military and energy agreements. The trip also reveals India’s cautious foreign policy approach, showing that the country is still close to Moscow, despite its attempts to enhance relations with the Western world.
The agenda could range from the Ukraine issue to Afghanistan, energy security, technology transfers, and the creation of new business avenues. There are agreements foreseen to be reached in sectors that would positively impact the bilateral trade, logistics, and the long-term energy supply.
Plan ahead, travel smart
For travelers who have to pass through central Delhi, it is better to start out the journey early, leave some extra time, and have the necessary documents within easy reach. The use of live navigation alerts is recommended to the rerouting process away from the restricted hours traffic of NH8, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Cantonment, Sardar Patel Marg, Shanti Path, and the ITO-India Gate belt.
As security measures have been increased to a high standard and a comprehensive Delhi traffic advisory has been put in place, commuters may face delays but can steer clear of the most serious traffic congestions by keeping themselves updated and being flexible during Putin’s India visit.
