NEW DELHI NEWS: Delhi Traffic Police has announced extensive traffic restrictions and diversions around the Red Fort on August 13 as security arrangements are put in place for the full-dress rehearsal ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
Several major roads will remain closed to general traffic from 4 am to 10 am on August 13. The restrictions will be implemented to facilitate the rehearsal and ensure smooth movement around the Red Fort.
Seven Major Roads To Remain Closed
According to a report in The Times of India, the roads affected include Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road and the Ring Road stretch between Rajghat and ISBT, among other key routes.
Commuters without valid parking labels have also been advised to avoid major stretches
such as C-Hexagon, Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg and the Ring Road between Nizamuddin Khatta and ISBT Kashmere Gate.
The traffic restrictions will also be applicable on August 15, when the Independence Day celebrations are scheduled to take place at the Red Fort.
Alternative Routes For North-South Travel
Commuters travelling between north and south Delhi on August 13 and August 15 have been advised to take alternative routes via Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Mandir Marg and Rani Jhansi Road.
Another option is to travel via Connaught Place, Minto Road, Ajmeri Gate and SP Mukherjee Marg.
For commuters travelling across the Yamuna, the suggested routes include Nizamuddin Bridge, Pushta Road, GT Road and Yudhister Setu.
Routes Suggested For East-West Movement
For east-west movement, commuters have been advised to use NH-24, Barapulla Road, Ring Road, Vikas Marg, DDU Marg and Minto Road. The DND-NH24-Yudhister Setu-Signature Bridge-Wazirabad Bridge corridor will remain open to traffic.
However, the Old Iron Bridge and Geeta Colony Bridge towards Shanti Van will remain closed during the restrictions.
Railway Stations And Hospitals To Remain Accessible
Traffic restrictions are also expected to affect movement towards major transport hubs.
Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station and ISBT Kashmere Gate will remain accessible through designated alternative routes.
Additionally, there will be no restriction on accessing JPN Hospital. For Kasturba Hospital, commuters have been advised to use the route via Ajmeri Gate and Urdu Bazar.
Bus Services To Face Diversions
City and interstate bus services will face extensive diversions from midnight on August 14 as preparations for the Independence Day celebrations intensify.
Normal bus services are expected to resume after 11 am on August 15. Authorities have advised commuters to leave early, plan their journeys in advance and avoid last-minute travel.
The traffic advisory also outlines restrictions on goods vehicles and interstate buses, while recovery vans will be deployed at strategic locations to deal with breakdowns and other traffic-related emergencies.
Pragati Maidan Traffic Curbs From August 12
Even as the Kanwar rush nears its end, commuters travelling through central Delhi may face another round of traffic disruption around Pragati Maidan.
The Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav 2026 is being held at Bharat Mandapam from August 12 to August 15. The event is expected to draw around 20,000-25,000 participants, with traffic movement around the venue likely to be affected during the four-day event.
The event is scheduled from 9 am to 7 pm, according to the traffic advisory.
Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg Under Watch
Traffic restrictions will be in place on Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg and surrounding stretches during the event.
Motorists have been advised not to halt or park their vehicles on these roads between 7 am and 9 pm. Vehicles found parked on the affected stretches will be towed away, while their owners may face prosecution for improper parking and disobedience of lawful instructions.
Towed vehicles will be kept at the traffic pit in front of Bhairon Mandir on Bhairon Marg.
Ring Road Suggested As Alternative
The traffic police have advised commuters to use Ring Road as an alternative to Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg during the event.
People travelling towards ISBTs, railway stations and airports have also been urged to plan their journeys carefully, allow sufficient time for travel and make maximum use of public transport.
With the Red Fort rehearsal, Independence Day celebrations and the Bharat Mandapam event taking place within days of each other, commuters across central and north Delhi are likely to face multiple traffic diversions. Authorities have advised motorists to check routes in advance and follow traffic personnel and advisory signs.
