The Delhi Traffic Police imposed rolling closures across central Delhi from 09:00 to 12:00 on 5 December to secure President Putin’s state motorcade. Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg, ITO and several stretches around India Gate, Kartavya Path and Teen Murti witnessed diversions, no-parking zones and towing drives.
Although the window was short, knock-on delays continued into the afternoon as private vehicles spilled onto alternate corridors like Asaf Ali Road and DDU Marg. Office districts in Connaught Place and government complexes near North Block reported attendance dips as commuters opted for remote work. Ride-hailing surge prices touched 2.4× the base fare.
![Delhi Locks Down Key Arterial Roads for Putin Visit—Business Travellers Advised to Reroute]()
Travellers connecting to afternoon flights faced the biggest risk; IGI Airport advised reporting three hours early, and several airlines waived rebooking fees for passengers delayed by traffic restrictions. Hotels on Janpath and Sardar Patel Marg activated contingency shuttles via Raisina Road and Ring Road.
For mobility planners, the episode underscores the value of real-time traffic feeds and contingency ground transport contracts during VVIP movements. Trade chambers have asked the Home Ministry for earlier publication of diversion maps before future high-profile visits, citing productivity losses.
The curbs were lifted by 21:00, but sporadic stoppages will recur on 6 December as the visit concludes. Foreign missions and MICE organisers should keep delegates informed to avoid missed meetings and airport transfers.
Although the window was short, knock-on delays continued into the afternoon as private vehicles spilled onto alternate corridors like Asaf Ali Road and DDU Marg. Office districts in Connaught Place and government complexes near North Block reported attendance dips as commuters opted for remote work. Ride-hailing surge prices touched 2.4× the base fare.
Travellers connecting to afternoon flights faced the biggest risk; IGI Airport advised reporting three hours early, and several airlines waived rebooking fees for passengers delayed by traffic restrictions. Hotels on Janpath and Sardar Patel Marg activated contingency shuttles via Raisina Road and Ring Road.
For mobility planners, the episode underscores the value of real-time traffic feeds and contingency ground transport contracts during VVIP movements. Trade chambers have asked the Home Ministry for earlier publication of diversion maps before future high-profile visits, citing productivity losses.
The curbs were lifted by 21:00, but sporadic stoppages will recur on 6 December as the visit concludes. Foreign missions and MICE organisers should keep delegates informed to avoid missed meetings and airport transfers.
