The Delhi Police have issued a traffic advisory for the Muharram Tazia processions scheduled across the city on July 16-17. The advisory outlines specific routes and timing for the processions, urging residents to plan accordingly to avoid traffic disruptions.
Procession Routes and Timings:
On Tuesday at around 9 PM, a procession will commence from Chhatta Shahzad, Kalan Mahal, passing through Kamra Bangash, Chitli Qabar, Churi Walan, Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Chawri Bazar, and Hauz Qazi. The procession will return via the same route.
A second procession will begin from Old Police Chowki, Ashok Basti, and will traverse Qutub Road, Khari Baoli, Lal Kuan, Hauz Kazi, Chawri Bazar, and Jama Masjid, also returning via the same route. Additionally, Tazias from Nizamuddin, Okhla, and Mehrauli will proceed directly to Karbala.
Wednesday’s Schedule:
On Wednesday at 11 AM, the procession will reform, following the same route as before, and assemble at Kalan Mahal to proceed to Karbala, Jor Bagh.
Traffic Disruptions:
The advisory notes potential traffic disruptions on several key roads, including Mathura Road, Ma Anandmayee Marg, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Road No. 56 near Anand Vihar terminal, Pankha Road, and Najafgarh Road from Zakhira to Kishanganj. Traffic will be regulated on Jama Masjid Road, Chawri Bazar Road, Ajmeri Gate Road, Asaf Ali Road, Panchkuian Road, the Outer Circle of Connaught Place, Rafi Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, Aurobindo Marg, Motilal Nehru Marg, Barakhamba Road, Janpath, Sansad Marg, Tughlak Road, Ashoka Road, K G Marg, Lodhi Road, and Jor Bagh Road from 12 noon to 9:30 PM.
Impact on Public Transport:
Buses on Desh Bandhu Gupta Road heading to Ajmeri Gate and beyond will terminate at Aram Bagh, returning via Chitragupta Road-Paharganj. Buses to New Delhi railway station will also stop at Aram Bagh. Buses to Connaught Place and Central Secretariat will take Rani Jhansi Road, Mandir Marg, Park Street, ending at Udhyan Marg, and return via Kali Bari Marg. Buses from East and Central districts to Connaught Place and Central Secretariat will use Sikandra Road and stop at Mandi House, returning through Bhagwan Dass Road-Tilak Marg.
Public Holiday in Kerala:
In Kerala, the government has declared a public holiday on Tuesday for Muharram, resulting in the closure of all schools and government offices. Although Palayam Imam Dr. VP Suhaib Moulavi had requested a holiday on July 17, no official announcement has been made yet. However, all public and private sector banks in the state will be closed on July 17.
Residents and commuters are advised to stay informed about the traffic regulations and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconveniences during the Muharram processions.