Republic Day Full Dress Rehearsal: Delhi Traffic Police Issues Advisory, Commuters Advised to Avoid Certain Routes

New Delhi – As India gears up to celebrate its 76th Republic Day, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory in light of the full dress rehearsal scheduled for today, January 23, 2025. The rehearsal, a crucial precursor to the grand Republic Day parade on January 26th, will necessitate traffic restrictions and diversions across several key routes in the capital. Commuters are strongly advised to take note of these changes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience.  

Traffic Restrictions and Affected Areas

The full dress rehearsal will follow the same route as the Republic Day parade, commencing from Vijay Chowk and proceeding along Kartavyapath, through the C-Hexagon, past the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose statue roundabout, and continuing along Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg before culminating at the Red Fort.  

To ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the rehearsal, the Delhi Traffic Police has announced the following restrictions:

• Kartavyapath Closure: Kartavyapath, the ceremonial boulevard stretching from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, will be completely closed to traffic from 6:00 PM on January 22nd until the conclusion of the rehearsal on January 23rd.  
• Cross-Traffic Restrictions: Cross-traffic will be prohibited at Rafi Marg, Janpath, and Man Singh Road starting from 11:00 PM on January 22nd until the rehearsal concludes.  
• C-Hexagon Closure: The C-Hexagon, a key intersection surrounding India Gate, will be closed to traffic from 9:15 AM on January 23rd until the parade passes Tilak Marg.  
• Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg Closure: These crucial arterial roads will be closed to traffic in both directions from 10:30 AM on January 23rd. Cross traffic may be allowed intermittently depending on the movement of the parade.  

Advisory for Commuters

The Delhi Traffic Police has urged commuters to avoid the aforementioned routes and plan their journeys keeping the restrictions in mind. The advisory recommends the following:  

• Avoid Parade Route: Commuters should completely avoid the parade route, including Kartavyapath and the connecting roads, during the restricted hours.  
• Use Alternative Routes: Utilize alternative routes such as Ring Road, Mathura Road, and Outer Ring Road to bypass the affected areas.
• Plan Ahead: Plan your travel in advance, considering the potential delays due to diversions and restrictions.  
• Use Public Transport: Opt for public transport, especially the Delhi Metro, which will operate normally during the rehearsal.  
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of real-time traffic updates through the Delhi Traffic Police website, social media channels, and traffic helplines.

Restrictions on Commercial Vehicles

In addition to the route-specific restrictions, the Delhi Traffic Police has also imposed restrictions on the entry of commercial vehicles into Delhi. No heavy goods vehicles, medium goods vehicles, or light goods vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi from 9:00 PM on January 22nd until the completion of the full dress rehearsal on January 23rd. However, essential services and emergency vehicles will be exempted from these restrictions.  

Coordination with Neighboring States

The Delhi Traffic Police has also coordinated with the traffic authorities of neighboring states, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, to ensure smooth traffic management in the National Capital Region (NCR). Similar restrictions and diversions may be in place in border areas to regulate the flow of traffic entering and exiting Delhi.  

Importance of the Full Dress Rehearsal

The full dress rehearsal is a crucial exercise that allows various participating contingents, including the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and cultural troupes, to practice their performances and synchronize their movements. It also provides an opportunity for security agencies to assess and fine-tune security arrangements for the Republic Day parade.  

The Delhi Traffic Police plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and secure conduct of both the rehearsal and the main parade. By issuing timely advisories and implementing effective traffic management measures, the police strive to minimize inconvenience to the public while maintaining the sanctity and grandeur of the national event.  

Cooperation from the Public

The Delhi Traffic Police has appealed to the public for their cooperation in adhering to the traffic advisory and following the instructions of traffic personnel on the ground. By remaining patient and disciplined, commuters can contribute to the successful conduct of the full dress rehearsal and the Republic Day celebrations.  

The Republic Day parade is a momentous occasion for every Indian, and the full dress rehearsal is an integral part of the preparations. By taking note of the traffic advisory and planning their journeys accordingly, citizens can ensure that they do not face any unnecessary inconvenience and can join in the spirit of national pride and celebration.