Delhi Blast: Fresh Traffic Advisory After Explosion Near Red Fort; Major Route Shut, Commuters Urged To Avoid Key Roads

A car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening triggered a wide-ranging security response and prompted the Delhi Traffic Police to issue fresh traffic restrictions on key arteries. With investigations underway and heavy security in place, commuters are being urged to avoid the affected zone and use alternate routes.

In response to the blast that ripped through a vehicle near the Red Fort Metro Station at about 6:52 PM, the Delhi Traffic Police announced that both carriageways and the service road of Netaji Subhash Marg would be shut between “Chhatta Rail Cut” to “Subhash Marg Cut” from 6 AM on Tuesday until further notice. All vehicle movement in those stretches is prohibited as the area is under heightened security and investigation.

Authorities said the restrictions apply to the section between the Red Fort precinct and adjacent traffic junctions, with diversions put in place and motorists urged to adopt alternate routes to avoid significant delays. Commuters travelling to and from Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk and surrounding markets are being asked to factor in extra travel time and stay informed via official traffic updates.

Heightened Security Measures Sweep Central Delhi

The closure is part of a broader security-driven operation in the city’s historic centre after the explosion, which claimed at least twelve lives and injured multiple people. The Delhi Police, alongside forensic teams and central investigative agencies, are treating the blast as a major incident, and heavy physical barriers, vehicle checkpoints and patrols have been activated across the area.

Traffic controllers emphasised that the restrictions are essential to both protect commuters and allow emergency and investigative vehicles unhindered access. People planning travel through central Delhi over the next 24–48 hours, especially in tourist and high-footfall zones, are strongly advised to avoid the Red Fort–Chandni Chowk axis. Use of public transport should be monitored via official channels for any service changes.

Beyond the immediate road closures, security forces have ramped up visibility on all approaches to Delhi, including border points, metro stations, bus terminals and transport hubs. Rapid response units and bomb squads are reported to be in place, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Drivers, commuters and business operators in the region around Netaji Subhash Marg, Esplanade Road and the Red Fort area are being advised to follow signage and traffic-police instructions. Services such as ride-sharing, deliveries and logistics may face restrictions or changed pick-up and drop-off zones. The traffic police asked: if your journey passes through the Old Delhi central axis, reconsider or delay until normalcy returns.

As investigations continue, the advisory remains in force until further notice. Commuters are encouraged to check live updates from official social-media handles, avoid non-essential travel through the locked-down stretch and cooperate fully with security personnel.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

1. What happened near the Red Fort in Delhi yesterday?
A car explosion occurred near Red Fort Metro Station, leading to a major security response and temporary road closures in the area.

2. Which roads are closed after the Delhi Red Fort blast?
Netaji Subhash Marg and nearby routes from Chhatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut are closed until further notice.

3. Is traffic allowed near Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi after the blast?
Traffic movement around Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, and the Red Fort area is restricted. Commuters are advised to take alternate routes.

4. How long will the Delhi traffic advisory remain in effect?
The restrictions are expected to remain until further notice, depending on the progress of investigations and security assessments.

5. What alternative routes can commuters use to avoid the Red Fort area?
Commuters are advised to use Ring Road, Nishad Raj Marg, or Daryaganj Bypass, and follow live updates from the Delhi Traffic Police.