New Delhi is gearing up for Republic Day celebrations with a tech-savvy approach from the traffic police. Authorities have rolled out multiple technology-driven measures to ensure smooth traffic flow and hassle-free commutes for people heading to Kartavya Path. The initiatives target both the Republic Day parade and the Beating Retreat ceremony.
AI-Generated Videos Guide Visitors
In a first, Delhi Traffic Police has created detailed animated videos using Artificial Intelligence. These videos depict arrival, alighting, departure, and parking plans for invitees. Officials say the videos aim to familiarize visitors with movement and parking arrangements well in advance.
The videos are available on the Ministry of Defence website. Invitees can also access them through a QR code-based parking system. A senior police officer explained that the videos detail how arrival, alighting, and parking will be managed on the event day.
Parking Management for Thousands
The parking management system covers 22 designated parking lots. It is designed to accommodate around 8,000 vehicles. Police note that nearly 77,000 passes are issued for the Republic Day parade each year. About 8,000 of these passes are earmarked for people arriving by private vehicles.
New Shuttle Services for Security Personnel
Another first this year is the introduction of shuttle services for security personnel. These shuttles will operate from four key locations: Khan Market, Amrita Sher-Gil Marg, Patel Chowk Metro Station, and HC Mathur Lane. They will ferry personnel to their respective destinations at a frequency of 10 minutes.
Digital Navigation Support
To help commuters reach their designated parking areas, invited guests and ticket holders can use Google Maps or Mappls for real-time navigation. A senior police officer stated that these platforms will provide appropriate routes to Kartavya Path and exact locations of allotted parking spots.
Mappls has created a dedicated Republic Day tab for this purpose. Google Maps will display specially marked parking locations along with entry and exit routes. This digital assistance aims to help visitors reach their destinations without confusion.
Expanded On-Ground Help Desks
Apart from digital tools, the traffic police has significantly expanded on-ground support. They have set up 12 help desks at key locations, a major increase from just two in previous years. Personnel at these desks will guide commuters on parking facilities, pedestrian movement routes, and security arrangements.
The help desks will be located at Moti Lal Nehru Place roundabout, Sunehri Masjid roundabout, Man Singh roundabout, Jaswant Singh roundabout, GPO roundabout, Windsor Place roundabout, Mandi House roundabout, Q-point, Teen Murti roundabout, Crossing Janpath/Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, Gate number 14 of Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, and Palika Parking.
Car-Calling Systems for Smooth Dispersal
Car-calling systems have also been introduced this year to avoid crowding after the program concludes. This system ensures smooth dispersal of invitees. Under it, invitees can inform an officer stationed at the exit gate. Announcements mentioning the car number or driver's name will then be made.
The information will be relayed through loudspeakers installed at parking areas. This enables drivers to reach the exit gate in a timely manner, reducing congestion.
Technology for Seamless Experience
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rajiv Kumar emphasized that technology is being leveraged on a large scale this year. The goal is to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians. It also aims to make the experience seamless for those attending the national celebrations.
Control Room for Coordination
To ensure effective coordination among various agencies, a control room will remain operational on January 26. Officers from the police, traffic police, fire services, and other emergency agencies will be deployed at the facility. They will monitor the situation and respond promptly to any exigency.
The traffic police has advised people to follow official advisories. They recommend using public transport as far as possible and relying on digital navigation tools for a smoother commute to Kartavya Path.
