VIP movement triggers five hour traffic jam on DND flyway and Delhi routes
Tens of thousands of commuters, including those travelling to and from Noida, faced severe delays on Wednesday morning after VIP movement triggered massive bumper-to-bumper traffic jams along the Delhi Noida Direct (DND) flyway and key routes in central and south Delhi. The traffic restrictions, which lasted from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, were implemented by the Delhi Traffic Police without any prior public advisory or diversion plan, despite being scheduled two days in advance.
The congestion heavily impacted major arterial roads and intersections connecting Delhi and Noida. Among the affected routes were the DND flyway, India Gate, Mathura Road, Ring Road, Vikas Marg, Barapullah flyover, Tilak Marg, Purana Quila Road, Shahjahan Road, Outer Ring Road, CV Raman Marg, Kalindi Kunj Road, and Okhla Estate Road.
According to traffic officials, the restrictions began around 8:30 am to ensure free and safe passage for dignitaries travelling from central Delhi to the Badarpur border in south Delhi. Vehicular movement was completely halted for several minutes at various intervals.
A traffic police officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that while the VIP movement began around 10:30 am, security protocols required traffic arrangements to be in place from 8:30 am. The most severe congestion occurred when dignitaries returned from visiting a health facility in Badarpur. Traffic on roads connecting to Mathura Road was stopped for approximately 20 minutes, leading to tailbacks stretching for kilometres that quickly spilled over to adjoining roads.
The Ring Road from Sarai Kale Khan towards Ashram Chowk was among the hardest-hit areas, affecting travellers heading toward south Delhi localities such as AIIMS, Lajpat Nagar, New Friends Colony, Okhla, Jamia Nagar, and Badarpur.
Commuters reported being stuck in standstill traffic or moving at a snail's pace. Mohammad Shahrukh, who was travelling to Neb Sarai from east Delhi, said the situation was completely chaotic, with vehicles taking 15 to 20 minutes to cover a 100-meter distance. He noted a lack of traffic personnel on the route, as many were stationed at Ashram Chowk to facilitate the VIP movement.
Other stranded commuters shared their frustration on social media, reporting heavy blockages near Eco Park and Madanpur Khadar near the Indian Oil depot. Normal vehicular movement was eventually restored after the VIP route concluded, though clearing the accumulated traffic took until late afternoon.
