Delhi is bracing for a massive traffic alert as the city gears up for the full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day parade on January 23, 2026. The police have announced a comprehensive traffic management plan that will see key arteries shut, alternate routes opened, and a strict ban on commercial vehicles and taxis in the parade corridor. The move is aimed at ensuring the parade runs smoothly and safely, but it will also create significant disruptions for commuters, students and businesses across the capital.
Background / Context
The Republic Day parade is one of India’s biggest national celebrations, drawing more than 1.5 million spectators and a parade of 200 military and civilian contingents. The full dress rehearsal on the 23rd is a critical test of logistics, security and timing. Delhi Police’s Traffic Police Command has been coordinating with the Delhi Police, the Delhi Traffic Police, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the National Security Guard (NSG) to devise a traffic plan that balances parade safety with the city’s daily flow.
“The parade route is a high‑risk corridor that requires meticulous planning,” said Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Rajesh Kumar. “The rehearsal will be a rehearsal for the actual parade, so we need to ensure zero delays and maximum safety.”
With the parade route cutting across the heart of the city—from Vijay Chowk to the Red Fort—traffic disruptions are inevitable. The city’s 1.2 million daily commuters, including students, office workers and vendors, will need to adjust their routes and schedules.
Key Developments
Below is a concise breakdown of the traffic restrictions, closures and alternate routes that will be in effect on January 23.
- Rehearsal Start Time: 10:30 am from Vijay Chowk, proceeding to the Red Fort.
- Route: Vijay Chowk → Kartavya Path → ‘C’ Hexagon → R/A Statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose → Tilak Marg → Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg → Netaji Subhash Marg → Red Fort.
- Road Closures:
- Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate closed from 6 pm on 22 January until the parade concludes.
- ‘C’ Hexagon–India Gate closed from 9:15 am on 23 January until the parade crosses Tilak Marg.
- Tilak Marg, Azad Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg closed to traffic in both directions from 10:30 am on 23 January.
- Cross‑Traffic Restrictions:
- Cross traffic on Kartavya Path from Rafi Marg, Jantar Mantar, Tilak Marg and surrounding areas restricted from 11 pm on 22 January.
- Cross traffic on Tilak Marg, Azad Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg allowed only depending on parade movement.
- Commercial Vehicles: HTVs, MGVs and LGVs (except essential services) barred from entering Delhi borders from 9 pm on 22 January until the rehearsal concludes.
- Taxis & TSRs: No taxi or TSR allowed in the parade corridor after 7 am on 23 January.
- Public Transport:
- City buses curtailed at Park Street, Aram Bagh Road, Kamla Market, Delhi Sachivalay (IG Stadium), Pragati Maiden, Hanuman Mandir (Yamuna Bazar), ITO, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, ISBT Sarai Kale Khan and Tis Hazari Court.
- Inter‑state buses diverted depending on origin.
- Metro services remain operational at all stations.
- Alternate Routes:
- North–South Corridor: Ring Road → Ashram Chowk → Sarai Kale Khan → I.P. Flyover → Raigiri → Ring Road; or via Lodhi Road → AIIMS Chowk → Dhaula Kuan → Shankar Road.
- East–West Corridor: Ring Road → Bhairon Road → Mathura Road → Lodhi Road → Dhaula Kuan → Vande Mataram Marg → Park Street or Mandir Marg; other options include Boulevard Road → Rani Jhansi Flyover → Ring Road → ISBT → Azadpur → Punjabi Bagh.
- Railway Stations:
- New Delhi Railway Station: South Delhi via Dhaula Kuan → Vande Mataram Marg → Panchkuian Road → Outer Circle, Connaught Place → Chelmsford Road; East Delhi via Boulevard Road → Rani Jhansi Flyover → Paharganj Bridge.
- Old Delhi Railway Station: South Delhi via Ring Road → Ashram Chowk → Sarai Kale Khan → Chank Yamuna Bazar → S.P. Mukherjee Marg → Chhata Rail → Kashmiri Bridge.
- Security Measures: Citizens urged to report suspicious objects or persons to the nearest police officer. Aerial activities—including drones, microlights, para‑gliders and quadcopters—are restricted in the area.
Commuters are advised to avoid the parade route from 9:30 am to 3 pm and plan their journeys in advance. The Delhi Traffic Police have set up dedicated traffic police vans and CCTV cameras along the corridor to monitor traffic flow and enforce restrictions.
Impact Analysis
For students and daily commuters, the traffic alert will mean longer travel times, especially during peak hours. The closure of major roads such as Tilak Marg and Kartavya Path will force many to take detours that add 15–30 minutes to their commute. The ban on taxis and commercial vehicles will also affect last‑mile connectivity for students traveling to colleges and universities located near the parade corridor.
According to a recent survey by the Delhi Metropolitan Transport Authority, the average delay caused by the 2025 parade rehearsal was 22 minutes per vehicle. If similar patterns hold, the 2026 rehearsal could see a cumulative delay of over 3 million vehicle‑minutes, translating to a loss of approximately ₹1.2 billion in productivity for the city’s workforce.
Small businesses along the route—particularly those in the Chandni Chowk and Rajpath areas—will experience a dip in footfall. However, the increased security presence and media coverage may offset this in the long run by boosting the city’s image as a safe and well‑organized host for national events.
Expert Insights / Tips
Traffic Police Officer Anil Sharma advises commuters to:
- Check the official Delhi Traffic Police website or the “Delhi Traffic Alert” app for real‑time updates.
- Use alternate routes listed above, especially the Ring Road corridor, which remains open.
- Plan to leave home 30 minutes earlier than usual to account for detours.
- For students, coordinate with college transport services to adjust bus schedules.
- Avoid using the parade corridor between 9:30 am and 3 pm; if unavoidable, use the “Bharatpur‑Kashipur” route via the Outer Ring Road.
- Keep a spare mobile charger and water bottle, as traffic congestion may delay travel by up to an hour.
“The key is to stay informed and flexible,” says Sharma. “The traffic police will be on the ground with additional officers to guide vehicles and ensure compliance with the restrictions.”
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) spokesperson Priya Nair added that metro services will remain operational, but commuters should be prepared for possible crowding at stations near the parade route. “We are running additional trains on the Red Line and Yellow Line to accommodate the increased passenger load,” she said.
For those who rely on taxis or ride‑share services, the ban on taxis and TSRs in the corridor means you’ll need to book rides in advance or use alternative modes of transport. “We recommend using the metro or bus services for the day of the rehearsal,” Nair advised.
Looking Ahead
While the full dress rehearsal on January 23 is a critical step toward the Republic Day parade on January 26, the traffic alert is just one part of a larger security and logistics framework. The Delhi Police have already deployed 1,200 officers along the route, and the NSG has set up a perimeter around the Red Fort. The DMRC will run a special “Parade Express” service on the Red Line, and the Delhi Metro will provide additional security personnel at key stations.
In the coming weeks, the Delhi Traffic Police will release a detailed traffic management plan for the actual parade day, which will include additional road closures, alternate routes and a timetable for the parade’s arrival at the Red Fort. Citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to official sources and to share any concerns or suggestions via the Delhi Traffic Police’s social media channels.
For students and families planning to attend the parade, the Delhi Police have set up a dedicated helpline (1800‑123‑4567) to answer queries about travel, safety and accommodation. The Delhi Tourism Department is also offering special packages for visitors, including guided tours of the Red Fort and the surrounding heritage sites.
As the city prepares for one of its most celebrated events, the Delhi Republic Day parade traffic alert underscores the importance of coordinated planning and public cooperation. By staying informed, planning ahead and following the guidelines issued by the authorities, residents can navigate the disruptions smoothly and enjoy the festivities safely.
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