Delhi Traffic Curbs Around Arun Jaitley Stadium Ahead of India-Afghanistan T20I

Traffic restrictions and diversions will be imposed in and around Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday as Delhi prepares to host the first T20I between India and Afghanistan, with the match coinciding with the final day of the BRICS Summit in the national capital. The overlap of the high-profile cricket fixture with extensive VVIP and summit-related traffic arrangements is expected to put additional pressure on roads in central Delhi.

The India-Afghanistan T20I is scheduled from 7 pm to 11.30 pm on September 13, with restrictions and diversions likely to remain in force from 2 pm to 11.45 pm. According to the Delhi Traffic Police, restrictions may be imposed on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, DDU Marg, Mirdard Chowk and JLN Marg, while goods vehicles will face restrictions on designated stretches of Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg and DDU Marg.

The traffic measures come as the BRICS Summit, being held in Delhi from September 11 to 13, brings foreign delegates, dignitaries and VVIP movements to the capital. The Delhi Traffic Police had earlier asked the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) to consider postponing the match, citing the deployment required for summit security and an expected 25,000 to 35,000 spectators. The police had flagged potential congestion around Arun Jaitley Stadium, DDU Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Minto Road and Kamla Market, besides roads near Mata Sundari College, Rajghat and Bal Bhawan.

The DDCA subsequently confirmed that the match would go ahead as scheduled after discussions with the traffic police and assurances of necessary arrangements.

Commuters have been advised to avoid JLN Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Asaf Ali Road and DDU Marg, particularly during spectator arrival and dispersal, and use alternate routes wherever possible. Spectators must follow designated approaches: Gates 1-8 from Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Gates 10-15 from JLN Marg near Ambedkar Stadium Bus Terminal, and Gates 16-18 from Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg near the petrol pump.

Free parking and Park & Ride facilities will be available at Mata Sundari Road, Rajghat Power House Road and Velodrome Road. General parking near the stadium will not be permitted except for vehicles with valid parking labels. Parking will also be prohibited on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, DDU Marg, Mirdard Chowk, JLN Marg and the Ring Road between Rajghat and IP Flyover. Violating vehicles will be towed and prosecuted.

For app-based taxis, designated pickup and drop-off points include Gate No. 2 near Maulana Azad Medical College and Rajghat Chowk. The India-Afghanistan series continues with matches on September 15 and 17, also at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Commuters are advised to follow Delhi Traffic Police's official social media channels for real-time updates.