Delhi Police Run Anti‑terror Drill at Palika Bazar

1/ Delhi Police staged a major anti-terror mock drill at Palika Bazar on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The underground shopping hub in Connaught Place, one of Delhi's busiest markets, was partially shut for the exercise to simulate a terrorist attack response. 2/ What was Palika Bazar like during the drill? Over 500 personnel from Delhi Police, Special Cell, NSG commandos, and NDRF teams cordoned off entrances at 10:30 a.m. Shoppers were evacuated within minutes as actors posed as attackers with fake explosives. Traffic halted on nearby roads, mimicking a real lockdown. 3/ Simulated scenarios tested layered security. The drill kicked off with a "blast" sound near the central fountain, followed by armed "intruders." Police practiced quick response: neutralizing threats, bomb disposal by canine units and robots, and mass evacuation through designated routes. Fire tenders and ambulances were on standby. 4/ Why Palika Bazar? This 1970s subterranean market draws 50,000-60,000 visitors daily, with narrow corridors and multiple levels making it a high-risk soft target for terror. Past intel threats and its central location near government hubs like Parliament prompted the choice. 5/ Key participants and their roles: Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora oversaw from the command center. DCP (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla coordinated ground ops. NSG snipers practiced rooftop insertions; NDRF handled simulated casualties. Private security from nearby malls observed. 6/ Evacuation drilled to perfection. In under 10 minutes, all "civilians" (volunteers) were herded to safe assembly points outside. Procedures included headcounts, victim triage, and media blackouts to prevent panic. Vendors reported minimal disruption as shops reopened by 2 p.m. 7/ Post-drill assessment: Teams debriefed at 3 p.m. Officials noted gaps in inter-agency radio sync but praised evacuation speed. "Preparedness is non-negotiable in crowded zones," said DCP Mahla. Metrics like response time (under 4 minutes) met benchmarks. 8/ Broader context: Delhi's security ramp-up. This follows drills at India Gate (April 2026) and metro stations amid intel on lone-wolf threats. Peak tourist season starts June with summer vacations, drawing millions to markets. Similar exercises planned for Chandni Chowk and Sarojini Nagar. 9/ What's next? Delhi Police announced monthly drills through Diwali (Nov 2026) under "Operation Shield." Public advisories will include emergency apps for real-time alerts. No terror alerts were specified, but vigilance ties to national intel sharing.