The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning of significant congestion in parts of central and west Delhi on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, due to a Janmashtami Shobha Yatra. The procession is scheduled to run from 1 pm to 7 pm, with around 2,000 devotees expected to participate along with Raths (chariots) and Jhankis (religious tableaux).
The yatra will pass through DBG Road, Ajmal Khan Road and adjoining areas in the Karol Bagh–Dev Nagar belt, where vehicular movement is likely to be heavily affected. Commuters in these zones should anticipate slow-moving traffic, temporary diversions and possible halts as the procession moves. Police have advised road users to avoid DBG Road and Ajmal Khan Road between 1 pm and 7 pm unless absolutely necessary.
To minimise delays, the traffic police has suggested using alternate routes such as Panchkuian Road, New Rohtak Road and other adjoining roads as per convenience. Drivers are also being urged to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and follow the directions of traffic personnel deployed along the route. Adherence to traffic signage and diversion boards will be critical to ensuring smooth movement around the procession corridor.
The Janmashtami Shobha Yatra is being organised to mark the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, with devotees expected to gather in large numbers along the route. The presence of Raths and Jhankis, along with the high footfall of participants, is likely to increase pedestrian movement on and around the road, further slowing vehicular traffic. Authorities have asked commuters to exercise caution near the procession path and avoid unnecessary honking.
In addition to the Janmashtami procession, traffic in central and south Delhi is also expected to be regulated from 11 am to 3 pm for a full-scale motorcade rehearsal for the BRICS Summit 2026.
Major corridors including Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, Akbar Road, Tees January Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Mathura Road, Motilal Nehru Marg, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Africa Avenue Road, Satya Marg, Shanti Path, Janpath, Ashoka Road and Barakhamba Road will see controlled movement and diversions at 22 points. Commuters heading to the airport, railway stations or key government areas have been advised to use the Delhi Metro wherever possible, as it will operate normally. Those driving should check real-time traffic updates, keep to the suggested diversion routes and cooperate with on-ground staff.
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The combined impact of the Janmashtami yatra in west-central Delhi and the BRICS motorcade rehearsal in central-south Delhi means that travel times across the city could be significantly longer than usual on Tuesday afternoon. The traffic police has also reminded commuters that emergency vehicles will be given priority, and all road users must yield to ambulances, fire tenders and other essential services. Residents living along the procession route have been advised to park their vehicles in designated areas to prevent additional bottlenecks. Local shops and establishments near DBG Road and Ajmal Khan Road may also experience temporary access restrictions during peak procession hours.
For those travelling to religious sites or attending Janmashtami events, the police have recommended using public transport or walking short distances where feasible. The advisory comes as Delhi prepares for a series of high-profile events in September, including the BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, which is expected to draw global leaders and increase security protocols across the capital.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay updated through official Delhi Traffic Police social media channels and navigation apps for real-time information on road closures and diversions. With multiple traffic disruptions expected throughout the day, patience and cooperation from commuters will be essential to maintaining order and safety on the roads.
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