In an effort to maintain smooth vehicular movement across the national capital during Dussehra festivities, Delhi Traffic Police has formulated a comprehensive travel advisory. On Tuesday, 20 October 2026, large gatherings of residents and visitors are expected across East Delhi to witness the ceremonial burning of effigies and festive fairs. This massive influx of people is likely to place significant pressure on key arterial networks, prompting authorities to plan temporary traffic diversions on several busy routes as needed. Given the anticipated congestion, travelers are urged to anticipate delays and cooperate with on-ground personnel.
Traffic Diversions Likely Between 5 PM and 8 PM
According to the advisory released by traffic management authorities, regulatory measures and vehicular diversions may be initiated from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This evening window corresponds with peak festival hours when families head toward fairgrounds, open grounds, and local celebration hubs. Heavy pedestrian activity combined with a sharp surge in private and commercial vehicles is projected throughout East Delhi. To prevent severe gridlock, traffic police personnel deployed at key junctions will monitor crowd flow and reroute vehicles to secondary paths whenever required.
List of Road Stretches Subject to Route Changes
To ensure orderly flow, traffic officers will actively oversee major corridors connecting residential hubs, commercial districts, and neighboring regions. Diversions may be implemented on the following stretches depending on real-time road conditions
- NH-24: A crucial highway corridor carrying substantial traffic between Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad, which could see controlled passage.
- Vikas Marg: A critical arterial link bridging central and eastern Delhi, where traffic volume is expected to rise sharply.
- Road No. 57: A vital route connecting several dense neighborhoods that may experience temporary vehicular detours.
- Road No. 57A: A supporting feeder corridor where diversion protocols might be activated to disperse vehicle density.
- Road No. 56: An important roadway catering to border traffic, prioritized for proactive flow regulation during peak evening hours.
Key Recommendations for Daily Commuters
Motorists planning to travel across or out of East Delhi on the festival evening are strongly urged to organize their itineraries well in advance. Commuters who must traverse the designated corridors should budget ample extra travel time to cushion against unexpected bottlenecks. Additionally, opting for alternate local bypasses and less crowded bypass roads instead of primary celebration-adjacent avenues can help residents avoid frustrating snarls and reach their destinations safely.
Strict Parking Regulations and Safe Driving Guidance
To avoid bottlenecks near event venues, the traffic police emphasized that motorists must park exclusively inside designated parking facilities. Unauthorized parking alongside curbs or on road shoulders creates severe bottlenecks, hinders pedestrian safety, and directly disrupts traffic flow. Because celebration zones will see heavy foot traffic, drivers have been advised to maintain low speeds, exercise extra caution, and strictly follow road safety protocols alongside on-duty police instructions.
