Delhi traffic curbs near Jantar Mantar as AAP protest hits central routes

Delhi Traffic Police on Friday advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance and avoid stretches around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas, where traffic restrictions and regulated movement will be in place in the wake of an Opposition protest seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has been called by the AAP, Youth Congress, RJD and student unions, who are demanding the resignation of the poll body chief over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the mass deletion of voters.

According to the traffic advisory, traffic moving from Connaught Place towards Patel Chowk will be diverted along alternate routes, while movement from Patel Chowk towards GPO will be regulated or diverted at suitable points.

Traffic on Tolstoy Marg will also be regulated or diverted, while movement on Jantar Mantar Road will be restricted or diverted.

Commuters have been asked to use alternate routes and avoid Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road and adjoining roads wherever possible.

"Barricading and traffic diversions may be put in place. Commuters should expect increased travel time on adjoining roads," the advisory said.

Motorists travelling towards Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Parliament Street and Central Delhi have been advised to plan alternate routes and leave extra time for their journeys.

"Stopping or parking of vehicles on or near the regulated stretches is prohibited and may further disrupt traffic movement," the advisory said.

It also said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will remain in force in the specified area as per orders of the competent authority, and urged people to follow directions issued by authorities and personnel on the ground.