NEW DELHI: Anticipating that thousands of devotees would gather at various ghats for Chhath Puja in the next two days, Delhi Traffic Police on Sunday announced restrictions and diversions across several parts of the city.According to the advisory, traffic movement is expected to be affected from Monday afternoon until Tuesday morning on roads adjoining major Chhath Puja ponds. Commuters have been urged to avoid routes near ghats and opt for public transport wherever possible.In east and northeast Delhi, large gatherings are anticipated at Gandhi Nagar Chhath Poojan Samiti Naav Ghat near the Old Iron Bridge, Purvanchal Nav Nirman Sangthan Ghat, and Satyamev Jayate Ghat near Geeta Colony — each expected to draw over 45,000 devotees.
The DND Yamuna Khadar and Chhath Ghat near Shastri Park are also expected to witness heavy footfall, with traffic likely to move slowly near Geeta Colony, IP Extension, and Shastri Park, according to the advisory.In Bhajanpura, commercial vehicles will be barred from using GT Road between Shastri Park and Yudhishthir Setu from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday and 5 am to 7 am on Tuesday.In Gandhi Nagar, Shantivan Loop and the stretch from Laxmi Nagar to Kailash Nagar Road will remain closed from 5 pm to 6 pm on Monday and 5 am to 7 am on Tuesday, with traffic diverted via Disused Canal Road.In Khajuri Khas, vehicles heading toward Sonia Vihar will be diverted from Nanaksar to Old Wazirabad Road, while traffic from Sonia Vihar Border will be redirected from the MCD Toll towards Sabhapur village.In central and north Delhi, large crowds are expected at several ghats, including Shyam Ghat in Jagatpur, which may attract over one lakh devotees. The Shani Mandir Ghat at Jagatpur and Vaasudev Ghat near ISBT are also likely to see major gatherings. Traffic congestion may be reported along Majnu ka Tila, Burari, Wazirabad Road, and areas around the Yamuna.In south and southeast Delhi, massive gatherings are expected at Bhola Ghat in Kalindi Kunj, where around 2.5 to 3 lakh devotees are likely to assemble. Other major congregation points include Khasra No. 1575 in Aya Nagar, Shiv Ghat near Shri Ram Chowk, and Asthal Mandir in Sangam Vihar. Traffic movement may be slow along MB Road (Lal Kuan to Tughlakabad Extension), Khadar Kalindi Kunj Road, Agar Canal Road, and Road No. 13.In northwest and outer Delhi, heavy crowds are anticipated at Bhalswa Lake near the Golf Course and UP Bihar Ekta Maha Manch near Majlis Park Metro Station, with diversions expected around Bawana, Holambi Kalan, Narela, and parts of the Outer Ring Road.In west Delhi, major gatherings are expected at Surya Upasana Park in Dabri, Vishwas Park in Raja Puri, and Chhath Puja Park in Mangolpuri, potentially slowing traffic along Raja Puri Main Road, Dabri–Palam Road, and Mangolpuri.Officials clarified that there will be no restrictions on routes to New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Nizamuddin Railway Station, and ISBT, though commuters should anticipate delays.People have been urged to use Delhi Metro and public transport, as roadside parking near ghats will not be allowed. Vehicles must be parked in designated lots.Motorists have been asked to remain patient, follow traffic rules, and cooperate with police personnel deployed at key intersections to ensure smooth movement during the Chhath Puja celebrations.(With agencies inputs)