Know the traffic restrictions in Delhi for 150th-year celebration of ‘Vande Mataram’ today

New Delhi: The Delhi Police issued a detailed traffic advisory on Friday ahead of the grand celebration marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The event, organised by the Union Ministry of Culture, is expected to attract nearly 11,000 attendees, arriving in around 1,000 cars and 300 buses, prompting major traffic restrictions in central Delhi.

According to the advisory, several key roads will experience traffic diversions and congestion between 5 am and 2 pm. Commuters have been urged to avoid the following stretches:

— BSZ Marg, JLN Marg, MG Marg, IP Marg, and Vikas Marg
— Secretariat Road and Velodrome Road
— Shanti Van Crossing–Rajghat–Bhairon Marg
— Geeta Colony Flyover–IP Flyover–Saleem Garh Bypass
— W Point–Delhi Gate
— Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Delhi Gate–Rajghat–JLN Marg
— Rajghat–Kishan Ghat / Power House Road
— ITO–Yamuna Bridge (via IP Marg and Vikas Marg)

Visitors can enter the stadium through:

— East Gates (1, 2, 3, 7, 8): via Velodrome / Secretariat Road
— West Gates (19, 21, 22, 23): via MG Marg / Ring Road

Parking will be strictly prohibited on Velodrome Road, Secretariat Road, IP Marg, BSZ Marg, Vikas Marg, JLN Marg, MG Marg, Ring Road, Saleem Garh Bypass, and Power House Road. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed and fined.

“Motorists are requested to remain patient, follow police instructions, and cooperate with officers managing traffic,” the advisory stated. The public has been encouraged to check Delhi Traffic Police’s official social media handles for live updates.

Prime minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 150th-anniversary event and release a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the beginning of a year-long nationwide celebration from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026.

A mass recitation of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ will take place at 9:50 am across various public locations simultaneously with the main event.

Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on Akshaya Navami (November 7, 1875), ‘Vande Mataram’ was first published in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath. The song, symbolising strength, unity, and devotion to the motherland, went on to become a timeless anthem of India’s national pride.

(with inputs from agencies)