Messi Mania: Delhi Traffic Alert Issued

Delhi is bracing for substantial crowd movement on December 15 as football icon Lionel Messi arrives for the "Lionel Messi G.O.A.T India Tour - Delhi Leg" at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The event, scheduled between 1 PM and 4 PM, will necessitate traffic restrictions and diversions starting much earlier due to security and spectator flow. Delhi Traffic Police anticipate slow or affected traffic in the stadium's vicinity from noon until 5 PM.

Commuters are strongly advised to seek alternate routes to avoid delays, especially those heading towards central Delhi. Key roads like Bahadurshah Zafar Marg and Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Marg will experience significant diversions. Restrictions will also apply to heavy vehicles. The police have highlighted specific road stretches, including JLN Marg from Rajghat to Delhi Gate and Asaf Ali Road from Turkman Gate to Delhi Gate, where congestion is expected on both carriageways.

Spectators attending the event should be aware of designated entry points and parking arrangements. Free parking is available at Mata Sundari Road, Rajghat Power House Road, and Velodrome Road, with specific entry through Vikram Nagar cut. Parking near the stadium requires valid labels, and vehicles parked illegally will be towed. App-based taxi users will find designated pick-up/drop-off zones. Real-time updates are available through official Delhi Traffic Police channels.