New Delhi: Ahead of two major international summits in Delhi, traffic police are set to conduct a large-scale rehearsal between noon and 3 pm on Tuesday to test their movement and diversion plans across central Delhi and adjoining corridors. Commuters are expected to face at least 21 diversion points.India-Africa Forum Summit will be held from May 28 to 31 and International Big Cats Alliance Summit from June 1 to 2. Bharat Mandapam is the primary venue of both events.Traffic in Lutyens’ Delhi is likely to be regulated on these six days. The strictest restrictions are expected on May 31, the main day of the India-Africa summit, sources said. However, as it is a Sunday, officials believe lesser volume of office and commercial traffic will result in lower traffic congestion in central Delhi.Traffic cops will deploy a “hybrid traffic model” from May 28 to June 1, combining short-duration traffic stoppages at select intersections with wider diversions and dedicated corridors connecting east, west, north and south Delhi to New Delhi district.According to the blueprint of Tuesday’s rehearsal, movement on several major roads around Pragati Maidan and New Delhi district will be regulated. S P Marg and Mathura Road are likely to be affected and may remain temporarily closed.Entry into New Delhi district during this exercise will mainly be allowed through Ring Road and Vande Mataram Marg. Those travelling from north Delhi towards the southern parts of the city have been advised to use Ring Road via Rajghat and Sarai Kale Khan. Commuters from west Delhi can take the Dhaula Kuan-Moti Bagh-Bikaji Cama Place route, while those travelling from the east towards south Delhi have been asked to use Ring Road through Sarai Kale Khan and Barapullah-Ashram corridor.People visiting Bharat Mandapam during Tuesday’s rehearsal have been directed to park at the Bhairon Mandir parking area and use only Gates 4 and 10 for entry. Shuttle services from ITPO gates and nearby metro stations will operate to reduce crowding around the venue.Commuters have been encouraged to rely on Google Maps and MapMyIndia for live traffic updates and alternate routes. Residents have been advised to leave at least 30 minutes earlier than usual and avoid roads adjacent to Bharat Mandapam unless absolutely necessary. Real-time traffic updates will be shared through traffic police’s social media handles and 1095, the helpline number.
