Delhi Traffic Police Enforce Strict Rules for G20 Summit
As the G20 summit approaches, Delhi has transformed into a heavily fortified city with multiple restrictions imposed by the Delhi Traffic Police. The capital’s streets now wear a deserted look as these rules have come into effect. Let’s delve into the details of these measures and how they impact the city.
Security measures have been ramped up significantly, with police conducting thorough checks on vehicles and scrutinizing the IDs of individuals entering the vicinity surrounding the summit venue and the hotels designated for the delegates’ stay. The Delhi Traffic Police have issued new guidelines to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during this important event.
Fresh Traffic Rules
In a recent update on X, the Delhi Traffic Police introduced a set of new guidelines aimed at maintaining order during the G20 summit. Some of the key points include:
| Rule | Impact |
|---|---|
| Ban on Entry of Goods Vehicles (HGV/MG/LGV) | Goods vehicles, except those engaged in essential services, are restricted from entering Delhi. |
| Operation of Public Transport | Buses, TS/Taxi, and other modes of public transport on Ring Road and beyond will operate as usual during the summit. |
| Metro Services | Metro services will continue to operate with no restrictions. |
Furthermore, emergency and essential services vehicles will not face any restrictions throughout Delhi. To help citizens navigate the city, the Delhi Traffic Police have recommended using the ‘Mapmyindia’ app, which provides suggested routes in accordance with traffic regulations during the summit.
Tight Scrutiny in Metro
At the Patel Chowk metro station, located near delegate-accommodating hotels, commuters’ IDs are under strict scrutiny. Those unable to establish themselves as legitimate residents or provide a valid reason for their presence are directed to leave. The normally bustling Hanuman Mandir and the Connaught Place market, along with other markets, have adopted an unusually quiet atmosphere due to heightened security measures.
New Delhi district has been designated as Controlled Zone-I from 5 am on Friday until 11.59 pm on Sunday, solely because of the summit. As a result, people are advised not to visit popular spots like India Gate and Kartavya Path for recreational activities such as walking, cycling, or picnicking.
Movement of Vehicles Restricted But Tourists Allowed
While vehicle movement within the district is regulated, ambulances, locals, and tourists staying in the area are permitted to travel by presenting proper identification documents. The Delhi Metro has also adjusted its schedule to accommodate the summit, starting services earlier to ensure smooth transportation.
Over 50,000 personnel, including dog squads and mounted police, have been deployed to maintain tight security during the G20 summit. The Delhi Traffic Police had issued an advisory on August 25, outlining restrictions on the movement of goods vehicles, buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. They strongly recommended the use of metro services to reduce traffic congestion.
Using Mapmyindia for City Navigation
The Delhi Police have advised people to utilize the navigation app ‘Mapmyindia’ for traveling within the city until the restrictions are lifted. Essential services, including postal and medical services, as well as sample collections by pathological labs, will continue uninterrupted throughout Delhi.
The area inside the Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg) has been designated as a “regulated zone.” This means that only authorized residents, emergency vehicles, and vehicles traveling to specific destinations such as the airport, Old Delhi, and New Delhi Railway Stations will be allowed beyond the Ring Road towards New Delhi district. Vehicles involved in housekeeping, catering, and waste management for hotels, hospitals, and other important installations in the district will also be allowed after verification.
Controlled Zones and Alternative Routes
Approximately 16 roads and junctions in the city are being treated as “Controlled Zone II” until 2 pm on Sunday. These include W-Point, A-Point, DDU Marg, Vikas Marg (till Noida Link Road-Pusta Road), Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Delhi Gate, among others. The police have urged people to avoid traveling to places within the “regulated” and “controlled zones” whenever possible and have provided alternative routes in case travel is necessary.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the closure of parking facilities at the Supreme Court, Patel Chowk, and RK Ashram Marg metro stations from 4 am on September 8 until noon on September 11.
Restrictions on Vehicle Types
Several restrictions have been placed on different types of vehicles during the G20 summit:
- Goods vehicles, commercial vehicles, interstate buses, and buses of the Delhi Transport Corporation and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System will not be allowed on Mathura Road (beyond Ashram Chowk), Bhairon Road, Purana Quila Road, and inside the Pragati Maidan Tunnel from midnight on September 8 until 11.59 pm on September 10.
- Interstate buses arriving through various borders will terminate at specific locations, including ISBT Sarai Kale Khan, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Ashram Chowk, Peeragarhi Chowk, and Mukarba Chowk.
The Delhi Police have recommended real-time traffic updates on the ‘G-20 Virtual Help Desk’ for route suggestions when commuting to and from the airport, railway stations, or bus terminals. The G20 Summit is scheduled for September 9-10 and will be attended by over 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union, invited guest countries, and 14 heads of international organizations.