As people in the country prepare for the 77th Republic Day festivities, the Delhi Traffic Police has published a full-fledged advisory on the extensive road closure and diversion of roadway throughout the National Capital Region (NCR). These regulations are being implemented for the grand parade on Kartavya Path to remain on track and at a high-level of security.
Main Parade Route and Short Term Closure
The Republic Day parade will start from Vijay Chowk and reach the Red Fort by Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg. Thus, for this, the following barriers are employed:
- Kartavya Path: Traffic from Vijay Chowk to India Gate has been suspended at midnight on January 25 and will continue to stop until parade finishes.
- C-Hexagon (India Gate): There will be no vehicular traffic from 2:00 AM on January 26.
- Cross Traffic: No traffic will be allowed into the parade route (Tilak Marg, BSZ Marg and Subhash Marg) till 4:00 AM Sunday.
Important Diversions and Routes to Avoid
You are also strongly advised to not come to Central and North Delhi between 4:00 am and 1:00 pm on January 26. Diversion will be active at:
- Connaught Place (Outer Circle): Only emergency and authorized vehicles in the inner and middle circle.
- ITO and Rajghat: Traffic diverted from Walled City = Heavy congestion is expected.
- Ring Road: All restrictions will be placed on ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Sarai Kale Khan.
Suggested Alternative Routes
For those in-and out between North and South Delhi or between East and West Delhi, the traffic police recommend these “Green” corridors for those who travel between North and South Delhi or East and West Delhi and beyond:
- East-West Corridor: Use the DND Flyway, NH-24 or Vikas Marg to Akshardham, then use either Ring Road or Ridge Road.
- North-South Corridor: Aurobindo Marg – Safdarjung Road – Mother Teresa Crescent – Park Street – Mandir Marg route.
- Outer Ring Road: The most feasible avenue to completely circumvent the city center.
Transport and New Metropolitan Transport for Public Transport
Delhi Metro: Most lines will operate, but entrance and exit areas along the parade route, specifically Udyog Bhawan, Central Secretariat and Mandi House will be closed in the morning.
Buses: Interstate metro buses, through Sarai Kale Khan, ISBT and Anand Vihar, are prohibited to pass through the town post 11:00 PM on 25 January until the procession is completed.
Flying Restrictions: Sub-conventional aerial platforms like drones, paragliders, and hot air balloons in the Delhi sky are restricted until February 15.
Those who want to travel out are instructed to utilize either the Delhi Traffic Police’s Virtual Help Desk or be updated in real time by following their official social media account prior to leaving the office.
