New Delhi: Traffic jam was reported near Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium on Saturday as thousands flocked to see Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh perform. Traffic in surrounding areas, including Lodhi Road, moved extremely slowly, PTI reported.
Commuters took to social media to express their frustrations. One user on X said that it took him two hours to travel from the Lodhi Road flyover to Chirag Delhi due to the heavy traffic. Long lines of fans waited to enter the JLN Stadium on Saturday evening, with queues extending several kilometres outside the venue.
Dosanjh’s concert marks the start of his “Dil-Luminati India Tour 2024” in Delhi. This two-day event, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, has become one of the year’s most anticipated musical highlights, coinciding with the singer’s return to India following a successful series of performances in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Concert security beefed up
In preparation for the concert, police officials have deployed over 3,000 security personnel to ensure public safety. A senior police officer stated, “We expect around 35,000 attendees. Comprehensive security measures have been put in place around the stadium.” Plainclothes officers have been assigned to monitor the situation, and numerous CCTV cameras have been installed at the venue.
Delhi Police issue traffic advisory
On Friday, the Delhi Police issued a traffic advisory outlining road closures and diversions in anticipation of the event. They announced that heavy vehicles would be prohibited from the JLN Stadium Red Light to Whole BP Marg from 4 PM to 11 PM on both days.
Commuters were advised to steer clear of BP Marg, Lodhi Road, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, and surrounding roads during these times. Emergency services, including police, ambulances, and fire brigades, are exempt from these restrictions. The police also encouraged the use of public transportation to minimize congestion and suggested planning journeys in advance to avoid delays.
