With the 16-day Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Fair set to begin on January 31, traffic authorities in Faridabad and Gurugram have announced extensive restrictions and diversion plans aimed at managing the expected surge in vehicular movement and ensuring public safety. The annual cultural event, which attracts thousands of visitors from across India and abroad, is likely to place significant pressure on roads connecting Surajkund, prompting the police to introduce strict controls on heavy and commercial vehicles while outlining alternative routes for commuters.
Heavy vehicle restrictions and route diversions in Faridabad
Faridabad Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Maqsood Ahmed said that the entry of heavy and commercial vehicles will be restricted on several key routes between January 31 and February 15, from 7 am to 11:59 pm every day. The decision has been taken to facilitate smooth movement of fair visitors, reduce congestion around Surajkund, and enhance overall road safety during the event period.
According to the traffic advisory issued by Faridabad Traffic Police, multiple roads leading directly towards the Surajkund fairgrounds will remain closed to heavy and commercial vehicles throughout the restricted hours. These include the route from Pali towards the Shooting Range, Ankhir towards Surajkund, NHPC Chowk towards Surajkund, and the stretch from the Prahladpur Delhi border towards Surajkund. Authorities said these corridors are expected to witness high volumes of visitor traffic and pedestrian movement, making restrictions necessary to prevent bottlenecks and accidents.
To minimise inconvenience to commuters, traffic police have also identified and publicised alternative routes for vehicles travelling between Gurugram, Faridabad and Delhi. Drivers heading from Gurugram to Delhi via Faridabad have been advised to use diversions through Sainik Colony. One recommended route involves turning from Sainik Colony via Ankhir Chowk and proceeding along Badkhal Road towards Delhi. Another option allows drivers to turn from Sainik Colony via Pyali Chowk, move towards Bata Chowk and then continue on Mathura Road to reach Delhi. These routes are expected to ease congestion on roads closer to the fair venue.
In addition to movement restrictions, Faridabad Traffic Police have earmarked 10 designated parking areas for vehicles arriving at the Surajkund fair. These parking zones have been identified to accommodate large numbers of private vehicles and tourist buses while preventing roadside parking, which often leads to traffic snarls and safety hazards. Officials said adequate signage and personnel will be deployed to guide visitors towards authorised parking locations.
Special instructions have also been issued for drivers entering Faridabad from Delhi and other adjoining areas. Vehicles approaching Surajkund from Prahladpur on the Delhi border and from the Shooting Range side have been directed to enter Faridabad via the Badarpur border using National Highway 44. Similarly, drivers coming from NHPC Chowk and heading towards Surajkund have been advised to use NH-44 to enter the city before following further traffic directions. These measures are aimed at streamlining traffic flow and avoiding congestion on narrower internal roads.
The Faridabad Traffic Police have urged citizens to remain informed by following their official social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Regular updates regarding traffic conditions, route changes and parking arrangements will be shared to help commuters plan their journeys better during the fair period.
Gurugram police impose parallel restrictions for fair duration
In coordination with Faridabad authorities, the Gurugram Traffic Police have also issued a separate advisory imposing restrictions on heavy vehicles for the entire duration of the Surajkund International Craft Fair. Officials said the move is intended to ensure security and maintain uninterrupted traffic flow on roads connecting Gurugram to Faridabad, particularly those leading towards the fair venue.
According to the advisory, the movement of heavy vehicles from Gurugram to Faridabad on roads leading to Surajkund will be completely banned from January 30 to February 15, between 7 am and 11 pm daily. The restriction will apply to trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles that typically use these routes for transit or local deliveries. Gurugram police officials said allowing such vehicles during peak visitor hours could significantly increase congestion and pose safety risks.
Heavy vehicle drivers have been instructed to use the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway or other alternative routes to reach their destinations during the restricted period. Authorities emphasised that parking of heavy vehicles along roadsides will also be strictly prohibited, as illegally parked trucks often obstruct traffic flow and create hazards for other road users.
Gurugram Traffic Police said adequate enforcement measures will be in place to ensure compliance with the advisory. Traffic personnel will be deployed at key junctions and entry points to redirect vehicles and prevent violations. Coordination between Gurugram and Faridabad traffic units is expected to play a crucial role in managing cross-border traffic and responding quickly to congestion or emergencies.
The Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Fair is one of the country’s largest cultural festivals, showcasing traditional crafts, handlooms, folk performances and regional cuisines from across India and several partner countries. Given its scale and popularity, the fair draws massive crowds every year, particularly on weekends and holidays. Traffic authorities have said that proactive planning and public cooperation are essential to ensure that the event proceeds smoothly without causing undue inconvenience to residents and commuters.
Officials have appealed to visitors to plan their travel in advance, follow traffic advisories, use public transport wherever possible and adhere to instructions issued by traffic personnel on duty. With restrictions, diversions and enhanced enforcement in place across Faridabad and Gurugram, authorities hope to balance the festive atmosphere of the Surajkund fair with the need for safety, security and orderly traffic management throughout the 16-day event.
