Traffic Disruptions and Security Deployed in Central Delhi Amid Protest March Toward ECI Headquarters

A protest march against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls commenced in central Delhi on Friday, with participants moving toward the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters to protest alleged voter deletions.

Organised by the Delhi Coordination Committee of People Against SIR, the march started near Gole Dak Khana at the intersection of Kalibari Marg and Bhai Vir Singh Marg. The demonstration has received support from student bodies including the Krantikari Yuva Sangathan and the Students' Federation of India, with activists participating from Delhi, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.

In response to the march, security was tightened significantly near the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. Large numbers of personnel from the Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed along the route.

The organisers appealed to various sections of society, including farmers, workers, youth, and women, to join the march while carrying the national flag. According to the organisers, the demonstration is planned to remain peaceful and disciplined, with participants holding a 'People's Parliament' and adopting resolutions wherever police intervene.

The Students' Federation of India also called for solidarity protests in central Delhi and at district headquarters on Friday.

The Delhi Traffic Police implemented traffic diversions in parts of central Delhi, which remain in effect from 1 pm to 5 pm. Commuters have experienced congestion and delays around major points including Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Connaught Place, Parliament Street, and Jantar Mantar.

Authorities have advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected areas, plan their journeys in advance, use alternative routes, and follow instructions issued by traffic personnel.

"Public demonstrations and socio-political events often create immediate logistical hurdles for urban business operations, particularly in administrative hubs like central Delhi. For local enterprises, retail outlets, and daily commuters, unexpected traffic diversions and security restrictions can lead to operational delays and lower footfall during peak hours. Businesses operating in metropolitan centers must factor in contingency planning and real-time transit advisories to navigate sudden disruptions caused by large-scale public gatherings efficiently." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes