Delhi Protests Today: Traffic Curbs Near Kashmere Gate; Routes to Avoid as More Demonstrations Loom

Delhi commuters should be prepared for traffic disruptions on Wednesday, October 7, as INDIA bloc parties continue to hold a demonstration outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s office near Kashmere Gate. According to the Delhi Traffic Police 's social media post on X, movement in and around Kashmere Gate and surrounding areas is likely to remain affected until around 3:30 p.m.


The protest is a part of the Opposition’s campaign against the Election Commission over the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi.


The INDIA bloc has raised several concerns over the exclusion of voters from the draft electoral roll. In a joint statement released by them on October 4, they said the protest would bring to light what they described as the “failures of the Delhi CEO in enrolling voters, particularly those from minority communities and those living in the city’s poor neighbourhoods.”

In the statement, it was also mentioned that the protest would raise concerns over the fact that more than 47 lakh people were left out of the draft electoral roll under the SIR, while another 33 lakh voters had received notices, asking them to 'prove their eligibility.'

Traffic Congestions in Delhi

The Delhi Traffic Police has warned the commuters through their social media post on X that traffic may be diverted or regulated along Boulevard Road, S.P.M. Marg, N.S. Marg and other surrounding roads. Lothian Road may also be closed depending on the operational requirements.



People travelling towards areas of Old Delhi and Kashmere Gate have been advised to exercise caution before leaving, and to avoid Lothian Road, S.P.M. Marg, N.S. Marg and Boulevard Road if possible. Some alternative routes which the commuters may exercise include Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Ring Road), Shanti Van Chowk, Hanuman Mandir, Chhata Rail, Mori Gate Gole Chakkar and Pul Dufrin, depending on the traffic conditions.


Commuters are also to note that parking and stopping on affected roads might be prohibited. Vehicles obstructing traffic may be removed or towed.

However, the disruptions may not end with Wednesday’s protest. Another demonstration is being planned at Jantar Mantar on October 10 by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced the protest over X, saying, “If Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign, cockroaches from across India will march to Delhi & protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.”


The Delhi Police has denied permission for the protest after the CJP submitted a formal notice on October 7. Commuters should therefore keep a close eye on fresh traffic updates and Metro advisories closer to the date. During earlier protests around Jantar Mantar, authorities temporarily restricted entry and exit at several central Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Central Secretariat, New Delhi and Chawri Bazar.


With continuous protests at different locations in the capital, commuters should plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time. Those travelling around the areas of Old Delhi on October 7 should avoid the affected roads wherever possible, while people heading towards central Delhi over the weekend should check the latest Delhi Traffic Police and DMRC advisories before leaving.