Delhi gears up for Republic Day parade: Routes to avoid, alternate options

Delhi: The Delhi Traffic Police has released a comprehensive advisory on account of the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025. This would consequently restrict movement across NCR from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Thereby, specific routes have been avoided by commuters and, thus their travel adjusted. The parade route will start from Vijay Chowk and pass through Kartavyapath, C-Hexagon, R/A Statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg and culminate at the Red Fort.

Important diversion routes

Traffic movement will be restricted between Vijay Chowk and India Gate from 6 pm on January 22 until the parade ends. Cross traffic at Rafi Marg, Janpath, and Man Singh Road will be restricted from 11 pm on January 22. C-Hexagon will be closed from 9:15 am on January 23 until the parade crosses Tilak Marg.
Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Subhash Marg will not be allowed with any traffic during the rehearsal hours.

Alternate route for commuters

Recommended routes for the North-South Corridor include Ring Road, Sarai Kale Khan, and IP Flyover to Rajghat. For the East-West Corridor, Bhairon Road, Mathura Road, Aurobindo Road, and Dhaula Kuan can be taken. Some of the other alternatives for routes are ISBT, Chandgi Ram Akhara, and Mall Road to Punjabi Bagh.

Restrictions on metro and vehicles

Delhi Metro services will remain operational at all stations, providing relief to commuters. However, entry of heavy, medium, and light goods vehicles will be restricted at Delhi borders from 9 pm on January 22 until the parade rehearsal concludes. Essential service vehicles are exempt from this restriction.

Traffic arrangements for Chhatrasal Stadium event

Special arrangements have been made for the Republic Day function to be held at Chhatrasal Stadium, Model Town, on January 25. Traffic will probably grow congested along roads in the area where about 250 buses and 1,000 light vehicles are expected to arrive.

Security arrangements strengthened ahead of Republic Day

Delhi is tightening its security before Republic Day on 26 January. The Delhi Police has put a sub-conventional aerial platform ban, that includes drones, paragliders, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and hot air balloons in the entire capital until 1 February. Anyone who commits the said offenses may be prosecuted under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.