Diwali, Chhath 2026: Delhi Police traffic alert for Anand Vihar ISBT till November 15; what passengers need to know UP, Bihar | Today’s news
The Delhi Traffic Police has imposed special traffic arrangements around the Anand Vihar Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) and adjacent junctions from November 5 to 15.
The measures have been taken in view of the expected rush during Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhai Dooj and Chhath Puja with restrictions and diversions to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and avoid congestion around the Interstate Bus Terminal and nearby railway stations.
Affected sections and key diversions
According to the official advisory, heavy traffic is expected on Road No. 56 (Chaudhary Charan Singh Marg) and Road No. 57 (Swami Dayanand Marg).
To ensure smooth movement of vehicles, police will enforce targeted traffic diversions at Ghazipur Roundabout and Ramprastha Roundabout in Vivek Vihar.
Read also | Delhi’s winter pollution curbs impact on more than 1 million commuters from NCR
Alternative routes for commuters
The traffic police has recommended specific alternative routes to avoid the traffic jam.
Commuters traveling towards NH-24, Sarai Kale Khan and Barapulla are advised to take Delhi-Dehradun Expressway via GT Road. Similarly, those heading to Ghaziabad and Dilshad Garden should use the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway near Akshardham via GT Road.
Authorities urged citizens to plan their journeys in advance and rely on public transport if possible to avoid unnecessarily entering the ISBT area.
Strict parking restrictions and penalties
The advisory imposes a strict ban on parking, waiting or stopping of all vehicles — including buses, autorickshaws, taxis and private cars — on both sides of Highway No. 56, especially near the Anand Vihar ISBT approach roads and entry and exit gates.
Authorities have warned that any vehicles left unattended on the roads will be immediately towed and prosecuted in accordance with the rules.
Reserved parking spaces
Owners of private vehicles have been directed to use officially designated parking facilities subject to availability and approved arrangements.
These parking areas are located on Kaushambi Road near Maruti showroom and DDA plot Kaushambi Road near NH-24.
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Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys, avoid unnecessary entry into the ISBT area and prefer public transport wherever possible.
Diwali 2026 Calendar
November 6, Friday: Dhanteras
November 7, Saturday: Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi
November 8, Sunday: Main Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
November 9, Monday: Govardhan Puja
November 10, Tuesday: Bhai Dooj
Read also | Diwali, Chhath Puja: IRCTC shows ‘high load’; Tracks announce special trains
When is Chhath Puja 2026?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. It has a special meaning because it is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and the importance of nature.
Unlike many other Hindu holidays, the rituals do not involve idol worship – devotees pray directly to the Sun and express gratitude for the natural elements that sustain life.
This year, Chhath Puja is observed from November 13 to November 16.
