World · India Bureau
Delhi markets choked with festive shoppers ahead of Diwali, Dhanteras
Heavy crowds descended on Delhi's commercial districts as shoppers rushed to complete pre-festival purchases, triggering severe traffic congestion across multiple zones. Traffic movement remained severely hampered, particularly around South Extension and Ring Road.
LSN India ·
Delhi's shopping districts witnessed unprecedented crowds on Wednesday as consumers rushed to purchase festival essentials ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali celebrations. The surge in footfall coincided with the traditional festival season, when households undertake major shopping for gifts, decorations and household items.
Traffic congestion reached critical levels across key commercial zones, with South Extension market recording particularly severe bottlenecks. The Ring Road arterial, which connects multiple market areas in the capital, saw vehicle movement reduced to a crawl, creating extended delays for commuters.
Local traffic authorities reported that the volume of shoppers and vehicles exceeded normal capacity, forcing deployment of additional traffic personnel at congested intersections. The convergence of festival shopping with regular office-hour traffic created a compounding effect on road networks across South and Central Delhi.
Authorities advised commuters to avoid peak shopping hours and utilize alternative routes where possible. The congestion is expected to persist through the festival period as shopping demand typically peaks in the days immediately preceding major celebrations.