Delhi Traffic Advisory for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Key Diversions, Road Closures and Metro Tips for Match Days
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off in Delhi today, with the opening match set to be played at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. With thousands of cricket fans expected to pour into the area, the Delhi Traffic Police have rolled out a detailed traffic advisory to manage the rush and keep movement smooth across the city.
If you’re planning to attend the match, or travel through central Delhi, here’s everything you need to know about road restrictions, diversions, parking rules and entry details.
Match Dates and Timings in Delhi
T20 World Cup matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium (Feroz Shah Kotla) will be held on:
February 10, 12, 13, 16, 18 and March 1, 2026
On these days, special traffic arrangements will remain in force from 9:00 am to 11:30 pm.
According to the Delhi Traffic Police, diversions will be implemented one hour before the match begins and will continue until one hour after it ends, depending on crowd movement and traffic conditions.
Roads Facing Diversions and Heavy Vehicle Restrictions
To reduce congestion near the stadium, heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the following stretches during match hours:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
- Dariyaganj to Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
- Guru Nanak Chowk to Asaf Ali Road
- Delhi Gate towards JLN Marg
Authorities have urged commuters to plan alternative routes and avoid the area if possible.
Peak Congestion Timings to Avoid
Traffic pressure is expected to rise during specific time windows due to spectator movement:
- February 10, 16 and 18: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
- February 13 and March 1: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- February 12: 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Major stretches likely to see heavy congestion include:
- Rajghat to Jawaharlal Nehru Marg
- Asaf Ali Road (Turkman Gate to Delhi Gate)
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg (ITO Chowk to Delhi Gate)
Stadium Entry Gates: Know Your Access Point
Spectators should check their gate location in advance to avoid last-minute confusion:
- Gates 1–8: Southern side, entry via Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
- Gates 10–15: Eastern side, entry from JLN Marg near Ambedkar Stadium Bus Terminal
- Gates 16–18: Western side, entry near the petrol pump on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
Parking Rules for Labelled Vehicles
Free parking for authorised vehicles has been arranged at:
- Mata Sundari Road
- Rajghat Power House Road
- Velodrome Road
Limited parking will also be available around the stadium.
Important:
- A valid car parking label must be displayed on the windscreen.
- The vehicle number must be clearly mentioned on the label.
- Vehicles without proper labels will not be allowed near the stadium.
Suggested Routes for Parking Label Holders
Drivers with parking labels should use:
- Ring Road
- JLN Marg
- Asaf Ali Road
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
U-turns will be permitted at Delhi Gate. Entry to parking zones P-1, P-2 and P-3 will be allowed only from Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg via Vikram Nagar Cut near Shaheed Path.
On match days, parking will be completely prohibited on:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
- Jawaharlal Nehru Marg
- Ring Road (Rajghat to IP Flyover)
Violating vehicles will be towed and legal action may follow.
Metro Recommended: Nearest Stations
To avoid traffic delays, authorities have strongly advised spectators to use public transport.
The nearest Metro stations are:
- Delhi Gate Metro Station (Gates 4 & 5)
- ITO Metro Station (Gates 3, 4 & 5)
Using the Metro or buses can significantly reduce travel time on match days.
Items Not Allowed Inside the Stadium
For security reasons, the following items are prohibited inside Arun Jaitley Stadium:
- Laptops and cameras
- Helmets
- Power banks
- Bags
- Food and beverages
- Water bottles
- Lighters and matchboxes
- Knives or any kind of weapons
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Match Day
With the T20 World Cup fever gripping the capital, traffic pressure around central Delhi is expected to remain high on match days. Whether you’re heading to the stadium or passing through nearby areas, planning your route and timing in advance can save you from long delays.
