NEW DELHI: The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory ahead of Dussehra celebrations on Tuesday, warning of possible congestion and diversions on major roads, particularly in East Delhi, and announcing security arrangements across the national capital.The advisory said traffic diversions would be enforced on major roads in East Delhi between 5pm and 8pm, as required, due to the expected movement of large numbers of vehicles and pedestrians during the celebrations.Large crowds are expected across the capital, particularly in East and West Delhi, where major Ramlila events and Ravana effigy-burning ceremonies are scheduled.According to the traffic advisory, “In view of the Dussehra celebrations on 20.10.2026 and the expected heavy movement in the area of East Delhi, a large number of devotees, visitors and pedestrians are expected. Traffic congestion and slow movement of vehicles are likely during the event.”The key roads likely to be affected by traffic diversions include NH-24, Vikas Marg, Road No. 57, Road No. 57A and Road No. 56.The Delhi Police urged commuters to take alternative routes to avoid congestion in East Delhi during peak evening hours and allow extra time for their journeys.It also advised motorists to park only in designated parking areas, warning of strict action against illegal roadside parking. Drivers were asked to maintain low speeds near celebration grounds due to heavy pedestrian movement.The Delhi Traffic Police also said traffic restrictions would be in place in Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) and Greater Kailash-II from 4pm to midnight daily between October 16 and 20 in view of Durga Puja celebrations.It advised devotees and commuters to use the Delhi Metro, avoid affected roads, refrain from unauthorised parking and allow extra time for their journeys. Commuters were also urged to plan their trips in advance and follow traffic regulations.Meanwhile, DCP (West District) Hareshwar V Swami confirmed that security has been heightened across celebration sites across the district. He noted that police officials were deployed across Ramleela events being organised at 43 locations, and Durga Puja is being celebrated at 16 locations.“Ramlila events are being held at 43 locations across the district, and Durga Puja is being celebrated at 16 locations. Police personnel have been deployed at all these sites for the past nine days. Extensive arrangements have also been made for Dussehra tomorrow. Female police personnel have been deployed, and we have also received support from the CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces); they will be deployed tomorrow as additional external forces to assist with the security arrangements,” he said.Joint CP Suman Goyal emphasised that police forces are maintaining maximum vigilance due to expected high-profile visits and massive public gatherings. He highlighted that special arrangements have been made to facilitate VIP movements amid the festivities and ensure that the public does not face any inconvenience.“A large turnout is expected, and the event is taking place at several locations across the entire Western Range. Given this, and keeping in mind the expected crowds and the sensitivity of the situation, appropriate arrangements have been made. There will also be significant movement of VIPs in the Dwarka district and other areas; therefore, special arrangements have been put in place. The police department has various responsibilities, such as controlling crime, ensuring that the public does not face any inconvenience, and seeing to it that the entire festival concludes peacefully and smoothly. That is our primary objective,” she said.Central Range DCP Traffic K Ramesh said special traffic arrangements had been in place for the past 10 days. He added that Delhi Traffic Police personnel had been deployed in areas expected to witness large crowds during Dussehra, including Hanuman Mandir and Delhi Gate.“We have special traffic arrangements in place for the Ramlila on our central range, which have been in place for the last 10 days, as the Ramlila has been going on. Tomorrow, we expect a huge crowd, and apart from that, there will also be VIP movements. Our staff is fully deployed at the nearby junctions like Hanuman Mandir and Delhi Gate. They will be present around here as well, so people won’t face any trouble getting there. Our staff will also be there to help with traffic and guide people,” he said.Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this day, giving rise to the tradition of burning Ravana effigies. The festival also marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri celebrations.(With inputs from ANI)
