Delhi is on high alert following a car explosion near the Red Fort on Monday evening, prompting the Delhi Traffic Police to issue a fresh advisory with diversions on key routes. Commuters should anticipate traffic curbs, especially around the Red Fort area.
Traffic Restrictions and Diversions
The Delhi Traffic Police have implemented traffic restrictions and diversions on both carriageways and the service road of Netaji Subhash Marg. The restrictions are in place on the stretch between Chhatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut. Commuters are advised to avoid these routes from 6:00 AM until further notice and use alternative roads for a hassle-free journey. No vehicles are allowed on Netaji Subhash Marg from Chhatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut, and vice-versa.
Alternative Routes
Commuters are urged to avoid Netaji Subhash Marg and seek alternative routes. Those going towards Dhaula Kuan may use Vande Matram Marg and Mother Teresa Crescent instead. Motorists are advised to avoid roads such as C-Hexagon, Tilak Marg, Ashoka Road, Shahjahan Road, Purana Quila Road and Zakir Hussain Road.
Metro Closure
Lal Qila Metro Station is closed due to security reasons. However, all other metro stations are functional as normal.
Security Measures
Security has been tightened across the national capital. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has issued a high alert across the country, placing airports, the Delhi Metro, heritage sites, government buildings and other key installations under high alert. Security has been intensified at major public places, transport hubs, and critical infrastructure. Barricades have been set up, vehicles are being checked, and additional teams have been deployed to track suspicious activity. The public is urged to promptly report any unusual behavior or objects.
Blast Details and Investigation
The blast occurred at approximately 6:52 PM near Red Fort Metro Station. A case has been registered under sections 16, 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Explosives Act at Kotwali Police Station in north Delhi. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be confirmed. Delhi Police, Forensics, and NIA teams are probing all angles. The police reported that the car had stopped at the red light near Gate No.1 of Red Fort Metro Station when the explosion occurred. Preliminary reports indicate that some people have lost their lives. At least nine people were killed and several others injured in the blast.
Alerts and Reactions
Following the blast, several states have issued a high alert and increased vigilance. These states include Uttarakhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Mumbai, Pune and Jammu. Instructions have been given to conduct intensive checking at international and inter-state borders, sensitive locations, religious sites, markets, bus stands, railway stations, malls, and other crowded public places across all districts. The US Embassy in New Delhi has issued a security alert, advising American citizens to avoid the area.
Ongoing Situation
The investigation is ongoing, and all possible angles are being probed. The historic Red Fort has been shut for visitors for the next 3 days. Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to hold a security review meeting.
