Prakriti Deb, Pune
The Delhi government has imposed a three-day lockdown from September 8th to 10th for the G20 Summit. The event is scheduled for September 9th and 10th at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, with increased security measures by Delhi Police.
If you intend to travel during the lockdown period, here are key things you need to know:
What will be closed?
- All government and private offices.
- Educational institutions (schools and colleges).
- The Supreme Court.
- Commercial banks, financial institutions.
- Shops and business establishments within the New Delhi Police District.
- Popular markets such as Connaught Place, Khan Market, Malcha Marg, Shankar Market, Janpath, Mohan Singh Place, and Palika Bazar.
- Retail liquor shops that come under the New Delhi Police District.
What will remain open?
- Malls and markets outside the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) limits.
- Essential services – milk booths, medical stores, etc.
Buses, autos, and taxis
- Bus services will be halted in the New Delhi district but can run on the Ring Road and further. Inter-state buses can enter Delhi but must finish their routes on the Ring Road, not at Inter-State Bus Terminals.
- Three-seater autos and taxis won’t be allowed in the New Delhi district from 5 a.m. on September 9th to 11:59 p.m. on September 10th.
- But taxis with genuine residents and tourists who have hotel bookings in the New Delhi district will be allowed with proper documentation.
What about Delhi Metro?
- Services will operate as usual.
- Yet, at the Supreme Court Metro Station, there will be restrictions on boarding and exiting between 5 am on September 9th and 11 pm on September 10th.
For railway passengers
- On September 10th, travel to New Delhi Railway Station from the Ajmeri Gate side will be disrupted from 5 am to 1 pm.
- Similarly, on September 10th, trips from the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (SPM) roadside to Old Delhi Railway Station will be impacted between 5 am and 1 pm.
Flights and Delhi airport travel
- Approximately 160 domestic flights at Delhi airport have been canceled from September 8th to 10th.
- Passengers with flights during this time should arrive at the airport early and consider using the Delhi Metro Airport Express Line for a smooth journey.
- For those opting for road travel to the airport, Delhi Police has provided recommended routes, which can be found on their website.