Delhi-NCR witnesses massive traffic jam amid Diwali, police say ‘staff deployed to maximum’ | Watch videos

Traffic in Delhi-NCR has come to a crawl over the past few days amid the pre-Diwali rush. Key market areas and routes have been witnessing bumper-to-bumper jams, leaving commuters frustrated.

Commuters, who said they expected a festival rush but this year had “hit a new peak”, reported that otherwise smooth stretches were also congested throughout the day on Friday.

“Delhi's traffic is usually terrible in the festive season, but it's hit a new peak of WTAF this year,” a commuter wrote on X.

Another added, “Traffic in Delhi Crossing all limits this Diwali, So does the civic sense.”

“This Diwali, Delhi shines brightest from the endless trail of car headlights. The real Diwali spirit? Stuck in traffic, glowing under tail lights for hours,” a netizen made a light-hearted remark.

Social media was flooded with pictures and videos of vehicles crawling or standing still near key roads.

As traffic continues to be gridlocked in most parts of Delhi, Delhi Police Additional CP (Traffic), Dinesh Kumar Gupta, said that the traffic police personnel are deployed to the department's maximum capacity to better manage the jams.

“…because of the festival season, commuters have increased, and for shopping and meetups, people are going out. We have maintained alertness, deploying our maximum staff and coordinating with local police to manage traffic effectively,” he said.

As Delhi witnesses huge crowds in markets and public places during Diwali, “our aim is to ensure the safety of citizens, prevent untoward incidents, and manage the traffic effectively,” the officer said.

As part of the preparatory measures, the Delhi Police have already intensified foot patrolling across the city, with a particular focus on markets, religious places, and areas with high foot traffic.

Senior officers of the respective districts are personally supervising these patrols to maintain a strong visible presence and instil confidence among citizens.

The objective of the intensified foot patrolling is not only to deter potential offenders but also to enhance community engagement, the officer said, adding that the presence on the ground reassures the public and helps prevent crime.

Additionally, the Delhi Police have begun conducting mock drills at several key locations to assess the force's readiness in responding to emergencies.

The officer further added that machans (temporary watch posts) are being installed at vital installations and crowded places, including major markets, to enhance surveillance and crowd monitoring.

“The idea is to maintain vigilance over large gatherings and ensure immediate response to any disturbance or suspicious activity,” another police officer said.

(With agency inputs)