Security personnel stand guard in front of India Gate in New Delhi ahead of Republic Day, in which US President Barack Obama will be the chief guest. (AP Photo)
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for the Republic Day parade on January 26. With dress rehearsals taking place around Rajpath in the heart of Delhi, key roads are closed for public since Friday.
The parade will start at 9:50 am from Vijay Chowk and will proceed to the Red Fort ground passing through Rajpath, India Gate, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg.
No traffic is being allowed from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Rajpath from 05:00 am to 12:30 pm. No cross traffic is being permitted on Rajpath from 09.30 am at Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road, and 'C'-Hexagon.
From 10:00 am, traffic on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Subhash Marg will not be allowed in both directions. However, cross traffic will be allowed as per parade position.
"Road users are, therefore, requested to plan their journey in advance and avoid the route of the parade from 09.30 am to 12:00 noon for their own convenience," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Shukla.
"No TSR and Taxi will be allowed to enter or ply in the restricted area after 07.00 am. Traffic police arrangements are for the guidance of the public. Motorists are requested to have patience and observe traffic and road discipline and follow directions of Traffic Police personnel," said Mr Shukla.
Six Metro stations in the vicinity of Rajpath will be shut for a few hours on January 26 as part of security arrangements for the Republic Day Parade.
The stations to remain closed are Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk, Race Course, Mandi House and Pragati Maidan.
The Delhi Police has also said that invitation cards and passes have been issued by name and are not transferable. Attendees and commuters should carry their IDs at all times. Mobile phones and electronic items such as laptops, tables, cameras and even remote controlled car keys are not allowed at the parade.
"Invitations should not be transferred to anyone else. Mobile phone will not be allowed in enclosures. Do not bring electronic items like Laptop, Camera/Video Camera, Transistor, Digital Diary, Remote controlled Car-keys, etc. Do not bring eatables, food packets, water bottles, cigarette lighter, match boxes, knives, arms, etc," the advisory said.