Avoid these roads on Independence Day

New Delhi: Delhi traffic police has issued a traffic advisory asking Delhiites to avoid several roads leading to Red Fort on Independence Day and preferably use Metro for hassle free movement. "Elaborate traffic arrangements around Red Fort have been planned. There would be arrangements to facilitate the movement of VIP vehicles, invitees and general public to reach the place of function and also to ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic in other parts of the city," Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Shukla said. More than 10,000 people are expected to gather at the venue, he said, and asked the people to use the Delhi Metro to reach Red Fort while those with private vehicles should reach ISBT for parking. According to the traffic advisory, sufficient parking is available for 200 cars at various parking lots at Gokhale Market, Mori Gate and Kashmere Gate. Shuttle service would be arranged from these parking lots to GPO/Chhatta Rail for easy access to Red Fort enclosures. General public is advised to reach by 5.30 am to avoid rush and inconvenience. Major roads around the Red Fort like Netaji Subhash Marg from Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail, Lothian Road from GPO Delhi to Chatta Rail, S P Mukherjee Marg from H C Sen Marg, Chandni Chowk from Fountain to Red Fort Chowk, New Darya Ganj road from Ring Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Link Road from Esplanade Road to Netaji Subhash Marg will remain closed for general traffic from 5 am to 9 am on the day. Those vehicles which do not have parking labels may avoid Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, Subhash Marg, J L Nehru Marg and Ring Road between Nizammuddin Bridge and ISBT bridge and take the route as advised. The authorities said local buses including DTC will not be allowed on Ring Road from 5 am to 9 am between Hanuman Setu and Bhairon Road 'T' point and shall take Kailash Nagar Pushta for onward journey while interstate buses will not be allowed between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT. Normal movement of buses will be restored after 10 am. There shall be special checking of all vehicles, both private and commercial, entering the NCT from the neighbouring states through border entry points, from 8 pm on August 14. Security of the national capital has been beefed up before the Independence Day celebrations and police has asked the general public to remain cautious and supportive to the security arrangements. "Members of the public are requested not to touch any suspicious object. They are requested to immediately report about the presence of any unidentified/suspected object, suspicious movement of individuals and vehicles or anything out of the ordinary, to the nearest policeman," said Shukla.