New Delhi/Mumbai/Bengaluru: As the nation wakes up to the first sunrise of 2026, city traffic police departments have issued severe warnings for commuters.
While the New Year’s Eve parties are over, the real chaos begins today. Thousands of families are expected to head out to temples, malls, and popular picnic spots, leading to potential gridlocks.
Here is the city-wise traffic advisory effective from 8:00 AM today, January 1, 2026.
1. Delhi Traffic Advisory: Gridlock Near Temples & India Gate
The Delhi Traffic Police has warned of “heavy to very heavy” volume on roads leading to religious places.
- The Chokepoints: Expect severe congestion around Hanuman Mandir (Connaught Place), Chattarpur Mandir, and Kalkaji Mandir.
- India Gate/Kartavya Path: A massive crowd of pedestrians is expected. Vehicular movement may be restricted on C-Hexagon from 10 AM onwards if the crowd swells.
- Advice: Avoid Connaught Place and India Gate areas. Use the Delhi Metro, which is running on a normal schedule today.
2. Mumbai Advisory: Marine Drive & Beaches Jammed
Mumbai Traffic Police anticipates huge crowds heading towards waterfronts.
- No-Parking Zones: Parking has been banned on Marine Drive (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Marg) and roads leading to Juhu Beach and Gateway of India.
- Diversions: Traffic will be diverted from Siddhivinayak Temple (Prabhadevi) and Mount Mary Church (Bandra) due to expected devotees.
- Advice: Use the Mumbai Local Train or BEST buses. Avoid taking personal cars to South Mumbai and western suburbs beaches.
3. Bengaluru Advisory: CBD & Nandi Hills Alert
Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has issued a special alert for travelers heading out of the city.
- Nandi Hills & Mysuru Road: Thousands are heading for day trips. Expect kilometer-long jams on Bellary Road (Airport Road) heading towards Nandi Hills and on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway.
- City Center (CBD): While MG Road and Brigade Road are open to traffic today, parking will be impossible. Congestion is expected near Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.
- Advice: Avoid the Airport Road if you are not traveling. Plan for an extra 2 hours if heading to Mysuru.
4. “Drunk & Drive” Check Continues
While the major crackdown was last night, police across all cities have confirmed that breathalyzer tests will continue today at strategic points to catch anyone still driving under the influence from last night’s party.
FAQs
No. The pedestrian-only restriction was for last night (Dec 31). Both are open to vehicular traffic today, but expect extremely slow movement due to crowds.
Yes. Delhi Metro and other city metros are running as per their standard Sunday/Holiday schedule. Exit from Rajiv Chowk might be restricted if overcrowding occurs.
Yes. Heavy goods vehicles and interstate buses have been restricted from entering central parts of Delhi and Mumbai until tonight to reduce congestion.
Disclaimer
This advisory is based on standard New Year’s Day traffic patterns and police protocols. Real-time situation may vary. Please use navigation apps like Google Maps for live traffic updates.
