Central Park to remain closed on October 16 and 17 as police tighten security ahead of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest; traffic diversions, barricading and restrictions are expected to affect central Delhi, while Metro services are likely to continue normally

Delhi has stepped up security across central parts of the capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) planned ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest march at Connaught Place on Friday, October 16, 2026. The preparations include barricading, additional police deployment, CCTV surveillance and restrictions on public gatherings around Central Park and adjoining areas.

Central Park, a prominent public space in Connaught Place, is scheduled to remain closed to visitors on October 16 and 17. Traffic movement across several central Delhi roads is also expected to be affected from 3 pm, as authorities prepare for a potentially large gathering.

The proposed demonstration is linked to demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police have not permitted a large march at Central Park, although a limited group of demonstrators may be allowed to conduct a flag march at an alternative location, subject to permission.

The security arrangements are intended to maintain public order, manage crowd movement and prevent disruption around important commercial and administrative areas. Commuters, shoppers, office workers and businesses in Connaught Place have been advised to prepare for possible access restrictions and travel delays.

Central Park Closed for Two Days

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 amid the planned protest and associated administrative arrangements.

The closure affects one of Connaught Place's best-known public spaces, which is regularly used by visitors, office workers and shoppers. Police have urged people not to gather at the park or participate in assemblies that violate the restrictions imposed for the area.

The restrictions form part of a wider effort to control crowd movement around Connaught Place and Rajiv Chowk. Access to nearby roads and public spaces may be regulated depending on the security situation.

Visitors planning to travel to central Delhi should check official advisories before leaving, particularly if their journey involves Connaught Place, Palika Bazaar or surrounding commercial areas.

Why Is Security Being Tightened in Delhi?

The heightened security arrangements follow the CJP's planned ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest, which is associated with demands for action over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.

The demonstration has placed Connaught Place under increased security scrutiny because of the possibility of a large gathering in a busy commercial and transport hub. Police have not granted permission for the proposed large march at Central Park and have indicated that a limited demonstration could be considered at an alternative location.

Authorities have also imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Connaught Place and adjoining areas. Such orders can restrict certain gatherings and activities when authorities consider them necessary to prevent disturbances and maintain public order.

The restrictions are intended to manage the situation before and during the planned demonstration. The precise arrangements may change depending on crowd size, traffic conditions and further instructions from the authorities.

Extensive Police Deployment and CCTV Surveillance

Security preparations include a substantial deployment of police and paramilitary personnel across New Delhi and nearby areas.

According to media reports cited in the original coverage, more than 25,000 personnel were expected to be deployed, including over 6,000 Delhi Police personnel. Additional personnel were reportedly being kept in reserve, taking the potential overall strength to around 30,000.

Authorities were also preparing for a possible gathering of 30,000 to 50,000 people, according to the reports. These figures represent anticipated deployment and crowd estimates rather than a confirmed count of personnel or demonstrators present at the site.

The security plan includes several measures:

• CCTV surveillance: More than 10 cameras have reportedly been installed around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk Metro station to monitor crowd movement and record possible violations.

• Barricading: Barricades have been positioned at multiple locations, including areas around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg.

• Detention arrangements: Police have positioned buses near key locations, including the Palika Bazaar area, as part of their preparations.

• Restrictions on gatherings: Orders under Section 163 of the BNSS are in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas.

• Additional personnel: Police and paramilitary forces are being deployed to manage crowds, maintain public order and respond to changing conditions.

The arrangements reflect the logistical challenge of managing a large demonstration in a location that combines retail outlets, offices, public transport facilities and major roads.

Delhi Traffic Advisory: Roads That May Be Affected

Delhi Traffic Police has warned that traffic movement around Connaught Place could be disrupted from 3 pm on October 16. Diversions may be introduced depending on the number of people gathering and the prevailing security situation.

The roads and stretches identified in the reported advisory include:

• Sansad Marg and Baba Kharak Singh Marg

• Janpath and Barakhamba Road

• Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Tolstoy Marg

• Panchkuian Road and Chelmsford Road

• Rafi Marg, Ashok Road and Tilak Marg

• Minto Road and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg

Motorists travelling through these areas may encounter barricades, diversions and slower traffic. People heading to offices, markets or appointments in central Delhi should allow additional travel time and follow directions from traffic personnel.

Where practical, commuters should consider alternative routes and avoid unnecessary journeys through the affected areas during the afternoon and evening.

The actual extent of disruption will depend on the security arrangements in force at the time. Commuters should check the latest official Delhi Traffic Police updates before starting their journeys.

Is Delhi Metro Operating Normally?

Delhi Metro services are expected to continue operating as usual, with no blanket shutdown planned under the reported arrangements. Police officials have indicated that suspending Metro services would be considered only as a last resort.

However, the absence of a planned system-wide shutdown does not guarantee unrestricted access at every station. Localised entry or exit controls could be considered if the security situation requires them.

Rajiv Chowk is a major interchange station serving commuters travelling through central Delhi. Passengers heading to the area should allow additional time and check official Delhi Metro announcements for any station-specific restrictions.

For most commuters, checking the latest service information before travelling will be more useful than assuming either a complete shutdown or entirely unrestricted access.

Connaught Place Markets and Palika Bazaar Face Business Concerns

The security measures have raised concerns among traders in Connaught Place and Palika Bazaar, where retailers depend on regular customer traffic, particularly during the festive season.

Barricading, traffic diversions and restricted access can discourage shoppers from visiting commercial districts, even when individual shops remain open. Reduced footfall can affect retail sales, restaurants, cafes and other businesses that depend on walk-in customers.

Delhi Police has also expressed concern about the impact that repeated protests can have on commercial activity in these areas.

However, there is no confirmed blanket closure of all Connaught Place shops or markets under the reported arrangements. Individual businesses may remain operational, although reaching them could become more difficult depending on the location of barricades and traffic controls.

Customers planning shopping trips should check with individual establishments and monitor official advisories. Traders will be watching whether access restrictions remain limited to the immediate protest area or extend more widely as the day progresses.

What Commuters and Visitors Should Do

People travelling through central Delhi on October 16 should take a few precautions to avoid unnecessary delays.

• Check the latest traffic advisory before travelling through Connaught Place.

• Allow extra time for journeys scheduled during the afternoon and evening.

• Use alternative routes where possible and follow instructions from traffic personnel.

• Check official Delhi Metro updates before travelling to Rajiv Chowk.

• Avoid gathering near Central Park while the closure and restrictions remain in force.

• Confirm access arrangements with shops, offices or venues before visiting.

• Follow lawful instructions from police and avoid spreading unverified information about the protest or security situation.

These steps can help commuters and visitors manage their journeys while authorities maintain security around the planned gathering.

Outlook: Security Measures Could Affect Central Delhi Travel and Retail Activity

Delhi's preparations for the CJP's ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest place public safety and traffic management at the centre of Friday's arrangements. The two-day closure of Central Park, restrictions on gatherings and anticipated traffic diversions are likely to affect movement around Connaught Place, one of the capital's busiest commercial districts.

For commuters, the immediate priority is to check official traffic and Metro updates before travelling. For traders, the key concern is whether restrictions and reduced footfall will affect business during the festive period.

The scale and duration of disruption will depend on crowd movement, police decisions and any subsequent changes to the security plan. Although Metro services are expected to continue, passengers should remain alert to possible localised restrictions.

Residents, visitors and businesses should rely on official Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police, NDMC and Delhi Metro announcements for the latest instructions. The situation may evolve throughout the day, making timely verification particularly important.