In preparation for the bustling Diwali festival weekend, the Delhi Police on Saturday deployed a substantial force of over 23,000 police personnel, including both law enforcement and traffic units, across the National Capital. The objective was to manage the massive festive rush and ensure smooth vehicular flow; however, significant traffic snarls continued to plague central and south Delhi, particularly on routes leading to major shopping hubs and markets.
Extensive Deployment for Law and Order
Delhi Police spokesperson, Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Tyagi, detailed the massive security and management arrangement:
- Nearly 20,000 personnel from district police and specialised units were deployed specifically for law and order duties.
- Women police staff have been strategically positioned in crowded public areas and major intersections to enhance visibility and ensure the safety of women shoppers and travellers, especially during late evening hours.
- In addition to the local police, commandos and paramilitary forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been mobilised and stationed in sensitive zones for quick response to any untoward incident.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), Raja Banthia, confirmed the heightened security measures, stating, “In Chandni Chowk, local police conducted checks. Rapid Action Force was also deployed to ensure safety and security.” Tyagi added that extra deployment has been concentrated in Central and South Delhi, areas that experience a significant spike in both vehicular movement and crowd density during the Diwali weekend.
Traffic Snarls Despite Arrangements
Despite the extensive police and traffic deployment—which included over 3,500 traffic personnel stationed across major intersections and arterial roads—the city witnessed long traffic jams on Saturday.
Prolonged congestion was reported in key market areas and their vicinities, including:
- Connaught Place
- Lajpat Nagar
- Sarojini Nagar
- South Extension
- Greater Kailash
- Chandni Chowk
The gridlock was not limited to market stretches and spilled onto major arterial roads such as the Ring Road, Mathura Road, Aurobindo Marg, and Outer Ring Road. Traffic police officials responded by implementing necessary diversions and deploying additional marshals to regulate the flow of vehicles. Motorists were strongly advised to use public transport and avoid market stretches during peak hours.
Police confirmed that these high-alert deployments will continue throughout the weekend and into the post-Diwali period until October 21, as markets and roads typically remain crowded due to ongoing shopping and festive outings.