Several visitors took leisurely car rides along Kartavya Path before stopping near India Gate, while others walked along the boulevard, clicked photographs and relaxed on the lawns, soaking in the festive atmosphere
The surge in visitors resulted in congestion on adjoining roads and added pressure on public transport services in central Delhi. Representational pic
Heavy footfall around India Gate and along Kartavya Path led to traffic congestion on New Year’s Day as large numbers of people gathered with family and friends to welcome 2026, news agency PTI reported.
From early morning, families with children, groups of youngsters and tourists were seen heading to the Central Vista to spend time near the iconic monument. Several visitors took leisurely car rides along Kartavya Path before stopping near India Gate, while others walked along the boulevard, clicked photographs and relaxed on the lawns, soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The surge in visitors resulted in congestion on adjoining roads and added pressure on public transport services in central Delhi, PTI reported.
A commuter said the Central Secretariat Metro station witnessed heavy rush as a large number of people used the Metro to reach India Gate and nearby areas.
“There was a huge rush at the station as many people were heading towards India Gate to celebrate the New Year,” the commuter stated.
Sudhir, a resident of Gurgaon, said he had come to the Central Secretariat Metro station for some work but encountered a massive crowd moving towards India Gate, forcing him to wait for over 10 minutes in a queue to scan his ticket.
New Year 2026: Commuters flag Metro overcrowding as police step up deployment around India Gate
“I came here for some work, but the station was extremely crowded with people heading towards India Gate. It took me more than 10 minutes just to enter,” he told PTI.
Devashish, who visited India Gate with his family, said the area was heavily crowded, though police personnel were seen trying to manage the situation.
Visitors were being guided properly and movement was regulated despite the large number of people present, he added.
Another commuter, Fatima, said she was travelling from Shahdara with her children for a picnic but faced overcrowding at Kashmere Gate. “There was a huge crowd and I had to wait for more than 10 minutes to board the Metro because of the rush,” she said.
A police officer said additional personnel had been deployed in and around the India Gate area to maintain law and order and ensure smooth movement of people and vehicles.
“We have deployed additional police personnel in and around the India Gate area to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth movement of people and vehicles. Police personnel are requesting visitors to follow traffic rules, cross roads safely, park vehicles only at designated places and cooperate with the police. We also wish everyone a very happy New Year,” the officer said.
Police personnel were seen regulating traffic and guiding pedestrians as celebrations continued through the day.
Many people had also gathered near the monument late on New Year’s Eve to mark the end of 2025, with celebrations continuing past midnight.
(With PTI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
