The preparations for Republic Day in India are a grand affair, and part of this elaborate process involves conducting dress rehearsals to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the actual day of the celebration. As Republic Day 2024 approaches, the Delhi Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for the dress rehearsal, especially in Central Delhi, the heart of the Indian capital. This advisory outlines a series of traffic restrictions and diversions aimed at facilitating the rehearsal process.
The purpose of these dress rehearsals is to fine-tune arrangements and ensure the flawless execution of the Republic Day parade, a yearly event that commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The parade, held at Rajpath in Central Delhi, not only showcases India’s rich cultural heritage but also highlights its military prowess and achievements. It draws thousands of spectators from across the nation and around the world.
To guarantee the safety and security of everyone involved, including participants, officials, and the general public, local authorities have implemented traffic restrictions primarily in the areas surrounding Rajpath, the parade’s main venue. These restrictions will be in effect during specific hours and will result in the temporary closure or limited access to certain roads and areas.
To avoid any inconvenience, commuters and residents are strongly advised to plan their travel accordingly, particularly during the hours from 09:30 am to 01:00 pm, when the parade rehearsals are scheduled. Some of the key roads affected by these traffic restrictions include Rajpath, Janpath, India Gate C-Hexagon, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Ashoka Road. These thoroughfares will either be closed or have restricted access during the specified times to accommodate the parade preparations.
Local authorities have also devised alternative routes and diversions to redirect traffic flow and minimize disruptions. Additionally, strict parking restrictions will be enforced in and around the restricted areas to maintain order and safety.
The Delhi Traffic Police has recommended the following alternate routes:
North-South Corridor:
- Ring Road – Ashram Chowk – Sarai Kale Khan – IP Flyover – Rajghat – Ring Road
- Madarsa – Lodhi Road ‘T’ point – Aurobindo Marg – AIIMS Chowk – Ring Road – Dhaula Kuan – Vande Matram Marg – Shankar Road – Park Street or Mandir Marg
East-West Corridor:
- Ring Road – Bhairon Road – Mathura Road – Lodhi Road – Aurobindo Marg – AIIMS Chowk – Ring Road – Dhaula Kuan – Vande Matram Marg – Shankar Road – Park Street or Mandir Marg
- Ring Road – Boulevard Road – Barf Khana Chowk – Rani Jhansi Flyover – Faiz Road – Vande Matram Marg – R/A Shankar Road
- Ring Road – ISBT – Chandgi Ram Akhara – IP College – Mall Road – Azadpur – Punjabi Bagh
During this period, public transportation is highly recommended, with buses and the Delhi Metro being convenient options for reaching destinations in Central Delhi. The Delhi Metro, known for its extensive network and efficiency, can be an excellent mode of transportation during this time, although the Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan metro stations will remain closed from 05:00 am to 12:00 pm on the designated day.
In addition to metro services, bus services will also be affected. Bus routes at various locations, including Park Street/Udyan Marg, Aram Bagh Road (Paharganj), the Kamla Market roundabout, Delhi Secretariat (IG Stadium), Pragati Maidan (Bhairon Road), Hanuman Mandir (Yamuna Bazar), Mori Gate, ISBT-Kashmere Gate, ISBT-Sarai Kale Khan, and Tis Hazari Court, will experience curtailments and diversions. Buses coming from Ghaziabad for Shivaji Stadium will follow National Highway-24, take the Ring Road, and terminate at Bhairon Road. Those coming from National Highway-24 will turn right on Road No 56 and terminate at ISBT-Anand Vihar, while those heading to Wazirabad Bridge from Ghaziabad will be diverted at Mohan Nagar towards Bhopra Chungi.
This comprehensive traffic advisory aims to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of all participants and spectators during the Republic Day dress rehearsal, allowing everyone to witness this important celebration without any major disruptions.