The national capital is gearing up for the 150th anniversary of the historic national song “Vande Mataram”. The event, organised by the Ministry of Culture and held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, is slated for November 7 and is expected to draw around 11,000 guests arriving in roughly 1,000 cars and 300 buses.
With such large numbers converging on central Delhi, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued a strong advisory for major road closures and diversions from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. That makes Thursday and Friday travel through key roads especially challenging.
Roads under regulation
Here’s a breakdown of the major routes that will face restrictions:
- Primary roads such as Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Indraprastha Marg, Vikas Marg, Secretariat Road and Velodrome Road will undergo either full or partial closure.
- Additional stretches likely to face diversions include Shanti Van Crossing to Rajghat, Bhairon Marg, the Geeta Colony Flyover, IP Flyover, Saleem Garh Bypass, W-Point, Delhi Gate and the Rajghat–Kishan Ghat/Power House Road axis.
- These measures are aimed at controlling the rush and streamlining movement around the stadium zone.
Suggested routes and travel advice
If you plan to drive through central Delhi on the event day:
- Avoid the listed major roads between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m. Some stretches may reopen later, but first-half of the day will see peak restrictions.
- Use public transport where possible. The metro and city buses are expected to operate normally and provide a far smoother option than braving traffic.
- If you must drive, allow extra travel time and follow any live directions given by traffic police on duty. On-ground updates may adjust diversions based on flow.
Event-day entry and parking guidelines
For those attending the event at Indira Gandhi Stadium:
- Entry points: From the east side via Velodrome Road or Secretariat Road — Gates 1, 2, 3, 7 & 8. From the west side via Ring Road or Mahatma Gandhi Marg — Gates 19, 21, 22 & 23.
- Parking: Strict no-parking zones will apply on roads including Velodrome Road, Secretariat Road, Indraprastha Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Vikas Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Mahatma Gandhi Marg/Ring Road, Saleem Garh Bypass and Power House Road.
- Vehicles parked illegally in restricted zones risk towing and legal consequences. Event organisers and traffic police emphasise cooperation to maintain order and safety.
Why the disruption?
Beyond being a marquee cultural event, this celebration marks a major milestone for the song “Vande Mataram” — composed in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and later popularised during India’s independence movement. The scale of the gathering, high-profile guest list and central location in Delhi combine to make this a significant traffic management challenge. Over 11,000 attendees plus hundreds of vehicles converge in a sensitive zone. That’s why multiple roads will be regulated and large parking bans enforced.
Final tips for commuters
- If you’re commuting through the heart of Delhi on November 7, consider delaying travel till after 2 p.m. or use alternate outer ring routes.
- If you’re attending the event, leave sufficiently early, follow gate-entry guidelines, and use public transport if possible.
- Keep an eye on local traffic updates — traffic police may tweak diversions dynamically depending on the flow.
- Above all, patience and cooperation will help avoid frustration for both travellers and event logistics.
With sensible planning, both commuters and attendees can navigate the city while the national song’s 150th-anniversary celebration unfolds smoothly in central Delhi.
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