Heavy traffic expected on NH-44 due to Ekadashi and New Year celebrations at Khatu Shyam Delhi Dham

Heavy traffic in Delhi

A post by Delhi Traffic Police on social media platform X said New Delhi is likely to face massive traffic congestion on main arterial roads as heavy footfall of devotees is expected at Khatu Shyam Delhi Dham Mandir in view of Ekadashi and New Year on January 1, 2026. Authorities warned commuters that the movement of traffic on NH-44 and nearby roads is likely to remain slow and congested during this time.

Delhi Traffic Police on X

In the traffic advisory issued in view of the expected rush, it is estimated that over the two days (31 December-1st January) thousands of devotees would throng the temple, increasing vehicular movement and pressure on the road network. The situation is expected to remain intense throughout January 1, when New Year celebrations coincide with religious observances.

Delhi Traffic Police traffic advisory

The NH-44 route between the Singhu Border and the Mukarba Crossing has been recognized by the traffic police as the worst-affected area. This route is one of the primary entry and exit points in the national and local milieu and is likely to face a lot of congestion because of the influx of private and commercial vehicles, along with pedestrians proceeding to the temple.Officials have advised commuters to avoid this stretch as far as possible during the advisory period.

The movement of vehicles on service roads and internal roads adjoining NH-44 may also be affected as traffic spills over from the main carriageway.

To deal with the expected volume of traffic and to facilitate smoother flow, diversion arrangements may also be introduced on a need basis, mainly through the operational route for the transport vehicles. The locations that have been identified to have diversion arrangements are the Singhu Border, Bakoli on the Urban Extension Road II (UER II), and Bakoli Village Cut.

People using the routes to commute within or around north Delhi are being asked to plan their routes in advance to avoid delay by using alternative routes recommended by transport experts. The UER-II Road, along with Palla-Bakhtawarpur Road, has been recommended to those wanting to avoid congestion on NH-44.

Apart from route notifications, commuters and followers have also been advised not to park their vehicles alongside the route to the temple and the NH-44 stretch. Improper parking is likely to worsen congestion and may lead to traffic enforcement action.It has been requested that devotees coming to visit the temple make use of public transport whenever possible. This will help them follow the instructions being issued on the ground by traffic police personnel, and it will be essential to ensure smooth flow of traffic. It has been anticipated that public cooperation will be necessary to achieve this.

The Delhi Traffic Police have asked commuters to stay updated about the traffic through their official updates. Traffic will be constantly monitored, and further steps might be taken as and when needed to deal with the situation effectively.