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Rumi Aijaz, “Minimising Urban Traffic Congestion: Lessons from Delhi,” ORF Issue Brief No. 869, Observer Research Foundation, April 2026.
Daily living in urban areas involves movement, in turn requiring the use of some form of road transport, whether public or personal. In cities with large populations and land area, the demand for various forms of transport is high because of the long distances between two points. This has led to a rise in the number of motor vehicles and per capita trip rates.[1] The resultant high volume of traffic on road corridors leads to longer travel times, travel fatigue, reduced work productivity, higher fuel consumption and emissions of air pollutants, and economic losses.
Delhi presents a useful case study in understanding traffic congestion issues. It is the most populous city in India, with an estimated population of 22.5 million in 2026.[2] The city also has the highest number of motor vehicles. Further, Delhi is surrounded by four populous cities—i.e., Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Noida—which not only have high vehicle populations but also witness a daily to and fro of vehicles between them and Delhi. Thus, a large number of vehicles ply on Delhi roads every day, and the problem of traffic congestion is observed in its travel corridors.
This brief evaluates the traffic management methods followed by the Delhi Traffic Police and their implications on the state of road traffic in the city. It outlines recommendations for reducing congestion in Delhi roads, which may also offer lessons for other urban regions.
Traffic movement in Delhi is typically slow throughout the day on travel corridors like the Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, and roads connecting Delhi to neighbouring cities. During rush hours, it can take up to two hours to cover a distance of 30 km on certain corridors.
There are a number of reasons:
Vehicle Density: Although Delhi has various public transportation modes available, a large number of citizens prefer to commute by personal motor vehicles. The motor vehicle population in Delhi is the highest among Indian cities. According to the Delhi Statistical Handbook 2025, the city has 8.41 million registered vehicles of various types, including two-wheelers, cars and jeeps, goods vehicles, auto rickshaws, taxis, and public and private buses. Two-wheelers (67 percent) and cars and jeeps (25 percent) constitute 92 percent of this number (Table 1).[3] Over 700,000 new vehicles were added in 2024, a 7.8-percent increase compared to 2023.[4] Most vehicles ply on the city roads every day. In addition, a large number of commercial and private vehicles from neighbouring cities in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh enter Delhi on a daily basis through 125 border entry points across the city.[5]
A survey conducted by the Delhi Traffic Police found congestion at 134 locations and stretches, 128 roads in poor condition, and 97 footpaths unusable due to damage and encroachment.[6] The prevailing conditions also affect the movement of emergency vehicles used by the police, fire brigades, and ambulance services.
Table 1: Registered Motor Vehicles in Delhi
| Vehicle Type | Number of Vehicles | Share (%) |
| Cars and jeeps | 2,088,805 | 24.83 |
| Motorcycles and two-wheelers | 5,659,930 | 67.27 |
| Ambulances | 1,136 | 0.01 |
| Auto rickshaws | 94,731 | 1.13 |
| Taxis | 84,632 | 1.01 |
| Buses | 17,613 | 0.21 |
| Other passenger vehicles (e-rickshaws) | 173,457 | 2.06 |
| Tractors and goods vehicles | 293,340 | 3.48 |
| Total | 8,413,644 | 100.00 |
Source: Delhi Statistical Handbook, 2025.[7]
Quality of roads: The build quality of several roads in areas governed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is a matter of concern. Many roads, for example, are unable to withstand the impact of rains during the monsoon and develop cracks and potholes as a result. The inferior road surface causes inconvenience to motorists, who are unable to navigate these roads efficiently and may even meet with accidents.
Other build-related problems include the improper sloping of roads. Roads must be sloped such that any rainwater falling on the roads flows down to the drains. This, however, is not always the case, as seen in the severe waterlogging on most roads during the monsoon season. Roads in the city are also uneven, as whenever road repairs are undertaken or sewer/drainage hole covers located in the middle of the road are repaired, patchy repair work affects the evenness of the surface. Insofar as road width is concerned, roads are wide at places where space is available, but then the same road gets narrower, even down to a single lane, due to lack of space. Further, lane markings are either missing or faded at many places, affecting lane driving. Dedicated spaces for parking and walking are also often absent. These issues impede the swift movement of vehicles.
Condition of traffic signal lights: A total of 1,001 traffic signals, 1,018 traffic light countdown timers, and 501 blinkers (blinking lights) have been installed at various road intersections and T-junctions in Delhi to manage the flow of traffic.[8] These lights and timers sometimes fail due to technical and other reasons. The problem is more common during the rainy season, when heavy rain accompanied by high winds can cause tree branches to break and fall on lights and timers, damaging them. The flooding and waterlogging of roads and underpasses also affect the functioning of lights. Yet another problem is related to the visibility of traffic signals. At several places, drivers are unable to see the signals properly due to obstacles such as banners or tree branches. Further, lights are yet to be installed at a number of intersections and T-junctions, especially in peri-urban areas.
To be sure, certain measures have been put in place to address these challenges. Traffic police are usually deployed during times of signal failure to manually guide traffic flows. An initiative to synchronise traffic signals at road junctions has also been started to ease congestion and improve commuter convenience. In this arrangement, the time duration of signal lights is set according to the volume of traffic. Thus, the time duration of green signal lights is kept longer at junctions with higher traffic volume and shorter where traffic is less. To tackle the recurring problem of flooding and waterlogging on roads and in underpasses, hotspots are being identified, and civic agencies are contacted for the desilting and cleaning of drains. At the time of logging, they are contacted to aid in the removal of water with water-lifting pumps.[9]
Urban planning: Delhi’s development of buildings and infrastructure is uneven. With regard to road networks, at several places, many small roads connect to a main road within a short distance. For example, about five to eight small roads might join a main road over a distance of just 3 km. Several such intersections are without traffic lights. This results in a constant unregulated inflow of vehicles to the main road. Although such road networks offer better access to various places along the main road and help in greater distribution of traffic volumes, they also cause congestion due to deficiencies in traffic management.
Road space: Often, the full road width is not available to motorists. This happens when vehicles break down or when accidents occur, and there are delays in the removal of such vehicles from the carriageways or roads. Another reason for non-availability of full road width is the stoppage of buses at bus stops for picking up passengers. When buses stop in the left lane of the carriageway, the vehicles behind the buses also come to a halt or try to overtake the bus from the right—this practice causes chaos. Some roads also narrow at certain places, either due to the presence of built structures or because of construction activity, such as the expansion of the metro rail corridor. On such occasions, three lanes are reduced to two for a small distance.
Facilities for walking and cycling: The absence of pedestrian crossings, footpaths, foot overbridges, elevated walkways, underpasses, and bicycle lanes in several parts of the city affects the movement of vehicles, as the main road on which motor vehicles ply is used for walking and cycling. These conditions also pose risks to pedestrians and cyclists. For example, in the absence of walking infrastructure, many people are forced to climb over high median walls to cross the road, endangering their own safety and that of others. Moreover, even where the infrastructure is available, people choose to use the carriageway. On 5 December 2007, the Delhi Traffic Police launched a drive to prosecute and fine jaywalkers under Section 28 of the Delhi Police Act. Following its launch, many people were prosecuted; the initiative, however, soon lost steam due to lack of enforcement. There was also not enough preparation before its implementation, as the infrastructure required by pedestrians was not provided.
Traffic situation on special occasions: The volume of road traffic increases significantly on festival days and other occasions. On such days, severe traffic congestion is experienced, and motorists get stalled in traffic for hours.
The Delhi Traffic Police deploys additional personnel at congested intersections during these occasions, enforces traffic restrictions, provides alternative routes, and issues travel advisories to the public about road closures and traffic diversions. During the festival of Holi in 2025, for example, 40 checking teams were deployed to detect and prosecute violators—it helped reduce traffic violations and accidents that day.[10] Similarly, on New Year’s Eve in 2025, about 20,000 personnel were deployed to ensure the proper flow of traffic near night-life hubs and commercial areas where large populations are known to congregate especially during special occasions.[11]
Violation of traffic rules:
In addition to affecting the flow of traffic, unlawful practices cause inconvenience to those who do observe the rules, and increase the incidence of accidents.
Figure 1: Traffic Flow Disruptions in Delhi

Source: Author’s own
Various arrangements are being made by the Delhi Traffic Police to ensure the proper flow of traffic. Programmes are regularly organised to promote road safety and compliance with traffic regulations, and instil discipline among drivers. In this endeavour, the Delhi Traffic Police often collaborates with multinational companies and non-government organisations.[19] Some of the awareness-building activities undertaken by the traffic police include: delivery of lectures by experts; conduct of workshops, interactive talks, and various competitions; training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); display of banners and posters on roads; and distribution of literature. Taxi drivers performing their duties well (in terms of compliance with traffic rules and regulations) are felicitated. Efforts are also made to educate road users and drivers of private vehicles on traffic rules, road signs, other safety measures, as well as penalties for violations. For this purpose, placards, banners, and public announcement systems are used at road intersections and traffic signals. School and college visits are also undertaken by personnel of the Delhi Traffic Police’s road safety cell to educate students on traffic rules, signals, and road signs.
In addition, a Computer Centre and Mapping Section have been established to support various traffic management activities. The Computer Centre maintains a record of violations committed by motorists and sends notice of these violations to them, offers technical assistance to traffic police personnel working in the field, and manages the Traffic Prahari mobile phone app created for citizens to film and report traffic violations and other issues in real time.[20] The Mapping Section, meanwhile, identifies congestion points, encroached and waterlogged areas, and plans detours/alternate routes during emergencies or occasions such as VIP movements, road maintenance activities, rallies, and processions. The unit maps the actions to be taken using AutoCAD computer software, which is followed by their implementation on the ground.
Further, the traffic agency’s Public Interface Unit plays a key role in the collection and dissemination of information (about road blockages, diversions, alternate routes) to road users and various government departments via social media platforms, FM radio channels, the Tatpar Delhi Police App, and digital message signboards installed on roads. Public queries are addressed on phones and social media platforms, and information on faulty signals, traffic jams, accidents, breakdowns, broken roads, potholes, flooded roads, and fallen trees is shared with concerned civic agencies for remedial action.
Several other measures are being undertaken to mitigate congestion and related issues:
This brief proposes the following remedial measures to ease Delhi’s traffic congestion:
A large number of motor vehicles ply Delhi’s roads every day, and most motorists rush to utilise the available road space. This practice leads to chaos, with Delhi experiencing severe traffic congestion problems on several road corridors.
The prevailing road conditions call for applying a range of effective and sustainable measures, such as reducing the number of private motor vehicles operating, ensuring driver discipline, clearing obstacles on roads, keeping streets in good condition, and building the required road infrastructure. Policymakers should also work to integrate the use of intelligent traffic management technologies, improve public transport services, and enforce traffic rules consistently and rigorously. These measures will not only ease the flow of motor vehicles on city roads, but will also improve the health, environment, and economic profile of Delhi.
Rumi Aijaz is Senior Fellow, ORF.
All views expressed in this publication are solely those of the author, and do not represent the Observer Research Foundation, either in its entirety or its officials and personnel.
[1] Ministry of Urban Development, Report of the High Powered Committee on Decongesting Traffic in Delhi (New Delhi: Ministry of Urban Development, 2016), https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Decongesting_TrafficDelhi06.pdf.
[2] Planning Department, Economic Survey of Delhi 2023-24 (New Delhi: Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, 2024), 453, https://delhiplanning.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Planning/economic_survey_of_delhi_2023-24_english.pdf.
[3] Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Delhi Statistical Handbook 2025 (New Delhi: Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, 2025), 226, https://des.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/DES/generic_multiple_files/hand-book-final-2025.pdf.
[4] Delhi Traffic Police, Newsletter, February 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/FEBRUARY-NEWSLETTER-NEW.pdf.
[5] “Tackling Delhi Border Challenges,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), December 2024, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2024/December-Newsletter.pdf.
[6] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2111290®=3&lang=2.
[7] Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Delhi Statistical Handbook 2025 (New Delhi: Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, 2025), 226, https://des.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/DES/generic_multiple_files/hand-book-final-2025.
[8] Delhi Traffic Police, “Statistics,” https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/statistics.
[9] “Delhi Identifies 445 Waterlogging Hotspots; Traffic Police Collaborates with Civic Bodies to Tackle Crisis,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), June 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/NEWSLETTER-JUNE-25.pdf.
[10] “Strict Traffic Measures on Holi Yields Drastic Reduction in Accidents,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), March 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/NEWSLETTER-MARCH-2025.pdf.
[11] “Delhi Traffic Police’s Strict Curbs to Keep New Year’s Eve Accidents Low,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), December 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/NEWSLETTER-DEC.pdf.
[12] “Improper Parking Tops Traffic Violations in Oct ‘25,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), November 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/NEWSLETTER-NOV.pdf.
[13] Delhi Traffic Police, “Rules of Safe Car Driving,” https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2021/LITERATURE/RULES-OF-SAFE-CAR-DRIVINGS.pdf.
[14] “Improper/Obstructive Parking Tops Traffic Violations in Delhi in December ‘25,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), January 2026, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2026/NEWSLETTER-JAN.pdf.
[15] “The Challan Roadmap – What Happens After the Camera Catches Red Light/Over Speed Violation,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), December 2024, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2024/December-Newsletter.pdf.
[16] “Improper/Obstructive Parking Tops Traffic Violations in Delhi in December ‘25,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), January 2026, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2026/NEWSLETTER-JAN.pdf.
[17] Abdul Ahad and Farhan A. Kidwai, “Addressing Urban Traffic Congestion in New Delhi through Novel Parking Guidance and Information System,” Cureus Journal of Engineering (2025), https://www.cureusjournals.com/articles/526-addressing-urban-traffic-congestion-in-new-delhi-through-novel-parking-guidance-and-information-system#!/.
[18] “Delhi Traffic Police Removes Over 300 People Obstructing Traffic,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), September 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/NEWSLETTER-SEP-25.pdf.
[19] “Private Companies, MNCs, NGOs Join Delhi Police for Road Safety,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), July 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/NEWSLETTER-JULY-25.pdf.
[20] “Computer Centre – Hub for Everything Digital,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), May 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/MAY-NEWSLETTER.pdf.
[21]“Delhi Traffic Police and Delhi Government Agencies Team Up to Ease Congestion,” Newsletter (Delhi Traffic Police), November 2025, https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/sites/default/files/uploads/2025/NEWSLETTER-NOV.pdf.
[22] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2111290®=3&lang=2.
[23] Harsh Yadav, “City Pushes Clean Mobility with 100 New Electric Buses,” The Tribune, December 19, 2025, https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/city-pushes-clean-mobility-with-100-new-electric-buses/.
[24] “Delhi On Track to Become EV Capital with About 8,000 E-buses by 2026: Minister,” The Economic Times, August 25, 2025, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/delhi-on-track-to-become-ev-capital-with-about-8000-e-buses-by-2026-minister/articleshow/123506786.cms?from=mdr.
[25] Snehil Sinha, “Delhi Govt Plans to Expand Fleet; Seeks 3,300 More E-buses,” Hindustan Times, January 11, 2026, https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-govt-plans-to-expand-fleet-seeks-3-300-more-ebuses-101768068201401.html.
[26] Rekha Gupta, “Budget Speech 2025-26,” (speech, Delhi, March 25, 2025), https://finance.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Finance/marquee-files/budget_speech_english_0.pdf.
[27] BBC, “Reducing Traffic Congestion in Developed World Cities,” https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zb7s8xs/revision/3.
[28] Melvin Hipolito, “AI Traffic System in Pune Boosts Safety & Transparency in City,” ChannelLife, Australia, June 17, 2025, https://channellife.com.au/story/ai-traffic-system-in-pune-boosts-safety-transparency-in-city.
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Rumi Aijaz is Senior Fellow at ORF where he is responsible for the conduct of the Urban Policy Research Initiative. He conceived and designed the ...
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