**New Delhi, October 19, 2025** — Delhi has once again found itself in the familiar grip of pre-Diwali chaos, as Dhanteras celebrations on Saturday brought massive traffic gridlocks across the capital and an unprecedented surge of passengers to the New Delhi Railway Station. Thousands of residents, eager to either perform auspicious festive shopping or embark on journeys home for Diwali, transformed the city's arteries and transport hubs into a sea of slow-moving vehicles and bustling crowds. The New Delhi railway station alone witnessed a staggering footfall of approximately 75,000 passengers and their families on Saturday, all making a beeline for trains to their hometowns. T^[1][2][3]his immense rush prompted Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to personally inspect the station's arrangements, acknowledging the record numbers while commending the efforts to manage the crowds. ^[1][3]### The Full Story The festive frenzy began to escalate days before Dhanteras, which fell on Saturday, October 18, and is continuing into the Diwali weekend (Diwali is on October 20). M^[1][4][5][6]ajor intersections and arterial routes connecting Delhi to its NCR neighbors like Noida and Gurugram became choked with vehicles, stretching travel times significantly. A^[1][2][7][6]reas such as Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, Ring Road, Chandni Chowk, and Lajpat Nagar saw long queues of vehicles and pedestrians as shoppers flocked to markets for last-minute purchases of gold, utensils, and festive decorations—a cherished Dhanteras tradition. Co^{[1][8][2][9][6][10]}mmuters took to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to vent their frustrations, sharing visuals of bumper-to-bumper traffic near Connaught Place, Rajpath, ITO, and even reporting ambulances stuck in gridlock. The^{[11][12][13][14][10][15]} Delhi Traffic Police responded with advisories, implementing traffic restrictions in key market areas like Chandni Chowk from 2 PM to 10 PM daily between October 18 and 21. The^{[1][16][6][10]}y urged citizens to opt for public transport, plan their journeys in advance, and avoid illegal parking to ease the flow. To ^{[11][13][17][16][4][15]}tackle the increased volume, all leaves for traffic personnel were cancelled, and motorcycle patrol teams were deployed for quicker incident response. Me^[7][4]anwhile, at the New Delhi Railway Station, the scene was one of organized chaos. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that new facilities, including larger holding areas, additional ticket counters, and a mini control room, were instrumental in managing the influx of 75,000 passengers. Nor^[1][3]thern Railway had already suspended platform ticket sales at five major Delhi-NCR stations, including New Delhi, from October 15 to 28, a measure aimed at reducing congestion inside station premises, though exceptions were made for those assisting senior citizens or passengers with special needs. Spe^[18][19]cial holding areas, equipped with amenities like food, water, restrooms, and 'May I Help You' desks, were set up to enhance passenger convenience. ##^[20][19]# What This Means For countless Delhiites, the festive spirit of Dhanteras and Diwali is intertwined with the annual ordeal of navigating the city's choked roads and bustling transport hubs. The immediate consequences are long delays, missed appointments, and a test of patience for anyone needing to travel. For those heading home, especially to states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the railway stations represent the crucial gateway to family celebrations. The measures taken by authorities, while significant, highlight the sheer scale of the challenge posed by millions on the move. **Key Points:** * New Delhi Railway Station saw approximately 75,000 passengers on Saturday (Dhanteras), heading home for Diwali. * ^[1][2][3] Delhi-NCR experienced massive traffic jams on Dhanteras, particularly in market areas like Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and Ring Road. * ^{[1][8][2][9][6][10]} Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories and imposed restrictions in market areas from October 18-21, cancelling leaves for personnel. * ^{[1][16][4][6][10]} Northern Railway suspended platform ticket sales at five major stations (Oct 15-28) and set up holding areas to manage the rush. * ^[18][19] Indian Railways is running a record 12,000 special trains between October 1 and November 15 to ease festive travel. * ^[21] Delhi Metro (DMRC) has extended services on Pink, Magenta, and Grey Lines on Diwali eve (Oct 19) and adjusted timings for Diwali day (Oct 20). ##^{[4][5][6][22]}# The Bigger Picture This annual phenomenon of festive congestion is a recurring pattern, reflecting both the deep-seated cultural importance of Diwali and the logistical challenges of managing a megacity's population during peak travel. The sheer volume of people traveling to their native places, coupled with the traditional shopping sprees, inevitably puts immense pressure on Delhi's infrastructure. In 2023, intermittent rain further exacerbated traffic snarls during Dhanteras, adding another layer of complexity. Thi^{[11][12][13][17]}s year, the focus has been on proactive measures, with Indian Railways operating a record 12,000 special trains between October 1 and November 15, specifically catering to routes connecting Delhi with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and the Northeastern states. The^{[23][20][24][21][25]} Delhi Metro also plays a crucial role, with extended services on Diwali eve (October 19) to help commuters navigate the city. ##^{[4][5][6][22]}# What Happens Next? With Diwali falling on October 20, the city is bracing for continued high traffic and passenger volumes over the coming days. Authorities are appealing to citizens to rely on public transportation, avoid crowded market areas during evenings, check real-time traffic updates before leaving, and consider carpooling or delaying non-essential trips. The^[4] Delhi Traffic Police will continue to enforce restrictions and manage traffic flow, with all personnel on duty. The Delhi Metro's adjusted timings will remain in effect through Diwali, with the last metro train service on October 20 commencing at 10 PM from all terminal stations. Pas^[5][22]sengers at railway stations are advised to arrive at least an hour before their train's scheduled departure to ensure a smooth boarding process. As^[19] the festivities unfold, the concerted efforts of traffic police, railway authorities, and metro services will be crucial in ensuring that Delhiites can celebrate safely and reach their destinations, despite the annual challenges of the festive rush.