Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Raksha Bandhan Rush Chokes Delhi Roads, Crowds Metro Stations
Many people travelled through Delhi for Raksha Bandhan.
Because so many cars and pedestrians were on the roads, traffic became very slow.
The Delhi-Meerut Expressway had heavy traffic for several hours.
MB Road, Kalindi Kunj, Pragati Maidan and Akshardham were also difficult to cross.
The Delhi Metro became very crowded as people travelled during the long weekend.
Some commuters said buses broke traffic rules near Lado Sarai.
Delhi Traffic Police sent officers to busy roads, borders, metro stations and markets.
Police also warned people about busy routes around Anand Vihar ISBT, Road No.
56, NH-9 and Vikas Marg.
Travellers were advised to plan ahead, allow extra time and use alternate roads.
Heavy congestion affected the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, MB Road, Kalindi Kunj, Pragati Maidan and Akshardham.
Traffic on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway continued for several hours, with vehicles moving slowly.
Long queues were reported on MB Road in the Chhatarpur area and near Sarai Kale Khan.
Commuters alleged that buses jumped red lights and blocked zebra crossings at Lado Sarai Old MB Road.
Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory, deployed personnel and urged commuters to use alternate routes.
- Who
- Commuters, festival travellers and Delhi Traffic Police were involved.
- What
- Raksha Bandhan travel caused severe road congestion and heavy crowds on the Delhi Metro.
- When
- The disruption was reported on Friday; a traffic advisory covered August 27 and 28.
- Where
- Affected locations included the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, MB Road, Kalindi Kunj, Pragati Maidan, Akshardham, Sarai Kale Khan and the Delhi-Saharanpur Highway near Geeta Colony Road.
- Why
- Increased pedestrian and vehicle movement during Raksha Bandhan and the long festival weekend caused the disruption.
Commuters' concerns
Traffic authorities' measures
Reasons for the congestion
Commuters' concerns
Commuters reported long queues, recurring congestion at Kalindi Kunj and alleged traffic-rule violations by buses near Lado Sarai.
Traffic authorities' measures
Traffic authorities associated the disruption with increased pedestrian and vehicle movement during Raksha Bandhan and the long weekend.
Managing travel
Commuters' concerns
Travellers faced slow-moving traffic and lengthy delays across several key routes.
Traffic authorities' measures
Delhi Traffic Police deployed personnel, issued an advisory and recommended alternate routes, advance planning and extra travel time.
- Occasion
- Raksha Bandhan
- Most affected transport
- Delhi roads and the Delhi Metro
- Major congestion points
- Delhi-Meerut Expressway, MB Road, Kalindi Kunj, Pragati Maidan and Akshardham
- Extended disruption
- Traffic on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway continued for several hours
- Commuter complaint
- Buses were allegedly jumping red lights and obstructing zebra crossings near Lado Sarai Old MB Road
- Police response
- Personnel were deployed at interstate borders, metro stations, markets and other high-footfall areas
- Advisory
- Commuters were warned about increased movement near Anand Vihar ISBT, Road No. 56, NH-9 and Vikas Marg on August 27 and 28
