Bus movement will be restricted in Lutyens' Delhi, main venue for summit, and people are advised to use Delhi Metro during that time, said Delhi Police.
In anticipation of the high-profile G20 summit scheduled to grace the national capital next month, Delhi is stepping up its preparations with a full-scale carcade rehearsal set to take place on Thursday evening. The Delhi Traffic Police have announced this strategic drill, urging motorists to plan their travel accordingly in light of potential traffic diversions.
The comprehensive rehearsal is slated to occur from 9pm until midnight, as confirmed by the traffic authorities via their official communication channel on X, previously known as Twitter. The rehearsal aims to ensure seamless transportation and security measures when the main event unfolds.
An advisory from the Delhi Traffic Police indicates that certain routes, including Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhairon Marg, Bhairon Marg - Ring Road, Mathura Road, C-Hexagon, Sardar Patel Marg, and Gurgaon Road, might experience congestion during the rehearsal period. As such, commuters are strongly advised to strategize their travel plans to mitigate any inconvenience.
In a forward-looking initiative, the Delhi Traffic Police have advised citizens to rely on the metro system for commuting during the two-day G20 Summit. This counsel comes due to anticipated limitations on bus movement within the iconic Lutyens' Delhi area, where the summit's key venues are situated, PTI reported.
The slated restriction period, spanning from midnight on September 7 to midnight on September 10, will encompass a range of transport limitations, including the suspension of city bus services in the New Delhi zone. To guide the public through this transition, the Delhi Police will introduce a virtual helpdesk on their website, furnishing information about available transportation alternatives and nearby medical facilities.
Special Commissioner of Police, Traffic, SS Yadav, underscored that essential services, including ambulance movement, will remain unaffected. However, city buses will be subject to restrictions, while the Delhi Metro system will continue to operate unrestricted. The resolute encouragement to leverage the metro system for commuting echoes the city's commitment to minimizing travel disruptions.
For those residing in Lutyens' Delhi or tourists with reservations in this exclusive enclave, options such as auto rickshaws and taxis will remain accessible modes of transportation. Notably, entry into Lutyens' Delhi from the airport will mandate thorough ID card verification, a measure to uphold security.
Amidst these arrangements, out-of-state buses will receive entry permission into Delhi, yet terminating at the Inter-state Bus Terminals will be prohibited.
"All government and private offices and educational institutions across Delhi, and all markets and banks in the New Delhi police district, will remain shut on September 8, 9 and 10, according to an order issued by lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena. The order was issued on the request of Delhi Police," reported Hindustan Times.
With a resolute focus on ensuring the city's efficiency during the monumental summit, approximately 10,000 diligent police personnel will be deployed to manage traffic and security operations. The event is slated to unfold on September 9 and 10 at the prestigious International Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, marking a pivotal moment in Delhi's global hosting journey.