Traffic in parts of Delhi and Noida faced significant disruptions ahead of a large farmers’ march towards the Parliament complex scheduled for Monday. The march, expected to begin at 12 pm, will involve farmers from over 20 districts rallying to push for five key demands related to agricultural reforms.
Reports showed extensive traffic snarls, especially at key points like the Chilla border and the Delhi-Noida Direct flyover, where vehicles were stuck in long queues due to heavy police barricading and security measures. These areas are now among the most congested routes, with commuters being urged to seek alternative pathways to avoid the delays caused by the ongoing security deployments.
To manage the situation, the Noida Police issued a detailed traffic advisory on Sunday. The advisory outlined specific restrictions and diversions that will affect the movement of vehicles in the region. The measures are aimed at facilitating the smooth flow of the protest and maintaining law and order. Affected routes include major roads and intersections near the Chilla border, along with several other connecting streets that lead into Delhi from Noida.
The farmers’ march, organized by multiple agricultural groups, is part of a broader effort to bring attention to the demands for better prices for crops, improved support for farmers, and reforms to agricultural policies that critics argue are detrimental to their livelihoods.
The protest has already seen a significant buildup, with farmers assembling at key points along the border areas. The march is expected to begin around noon and head towards the Parliament, where it is set to culminate with a mass demonstration. Authorities have heightened security across the affected regions to prevent any potential clashes and ensure the event remains peaceful.
The traffic disruptions come after similar protests in past years, where farmers have used mass mobilizations to pressure the government into addressing their grievances. While these events have led to temporary inconveniences, they have also drawn widespread attention to the struggles faced by India’s agricultural community, particularly the challenges posed by fluctuating market prices and policy decisions that many farmers consider harmful.
In addition to the traffic restrictions, the advisory from Noida Police cautioned motorists about the potential for sudden diversions as the march progresses. Areas surrounding major government buildings and prominent public spaces, particularly in central Delhi, will likely see tighter security as the farmers approach the Parliament.
Local residents and daily commuters have been advised to stay updated on traffic developments and to take alternative routes wherever possible. The Noida Police have urged all citizens to cooperate with authorities and to remain patient, given the likely increase in travel times during the peak hours of the protest.
This march has gathered widespread attention, with some analysts suggesting that it could become a focal point in the ongoing debate over agricultural policy reforms. The government, under increasing pressure from both domestic and international critics, has previously made efforts to address some concerns but has also faced backlash for not fully meeting the demands of the farming community.
The involvement of farmers from multiple regions adds another layer of complexity to the march, as it signals a deepening discontent among agricultural workers. The five primary demands include better crop pricing, stricter regulation of private sector interference in the agricultural markets, and enhanced support during times of drought or bad harvests.