Delhi traffic congestion intensifies during Diwali and GRAP enforcement
Commuters faced long delays across several parts of the capital due to festive shopping, illegal parking and pollution-related vehicle checks.
Traffic congestion increased across central, north, south and east Delhi on Wednesday, according to a report by Urban Acres. The slowdown was attributed to the Diwali shopping rush, road encroachments, illegal parking and restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Gridlock was reported at locations including Sadar Bazar, Karol Bagh, Inderlok, Teen Murti Marg, Dhaula Kuan, Dwarka, and Vasant Kunj. At Inderlok, commuters said vehicles remained almost stationary at a traffic signal for nearly 30 minutes, while motorists on Teen Murti Marg and Kushak Road reported delays of around 20 minutes.
In Kalkaji, motorists near Modi Mill said more than 200 cars were stuck for over 30 minutes. Commuters also reported congestion near the Blind School due to an ongoing Diwali mela, and at Jasola, where they alleged unauthorised parking had taken over road sections.
At the Ghazipur border, personnel conducted vehicle checks for compliance with GRAP restrictions on non-BS-VI vehicles. Officers used registration series and other details to identify the registration year and emission standards of vehicles entering Delhi from Uttar Pradesh.
Commuters reported additional delays near Akshardham Temple due to dense fog and reduced visibility. They also noted wrong-side driving and other violations near the Azadpur Flyover, calling for more traffic personnel and action against illegal parking.