Delhi Prepares for Republic Day 2026 with Extensive Traffic Management Plan
The national capital is gearing up for Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026, with Delhi Traffic Police implementing comprehensive traffic arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the grand parade. The celebrations will commence with a solemn function at the National War Memorial, India Gate at 9:30 am, followed by the main Republic Day Parade starting at 10:30 am from Vijay Chowk.
Republic Day Parade Route and Timing Details
The ceremonial procession will follow a meticulously planned route through central Delhi:
- 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
The parade will conclude at the historic Red Fort, symbolizing the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations.
Comprehensive Traffic Restrictions in Delhi
Delhi Police has announced detailed traffic restrictions to facilitate the parade:
- Kartavya Path Closure: Complete traffic prohibition on Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate from 6 pm on 25 January until the parade concludes.
- Cross Traffic Restrictions: No cross traffic permitted on Kartavya Path from 10 pm on 25 January at Rafi Marg, Janpath, and Man Singh Road until parade completion.
- C-Hexagon Closure: The C-Hexagon at India Gate will be closed for traffic from 9:15 am on 26 January until the parade crosses Tilak Marg.
- Major Road Closures: From 10:30 am, traffic on Tilak Marg, BSZ Marg, and Subhash Marg will be prohibited in both directions, with cross traffic permitted based on parade movement.
Alternate Routes for Delhi Commuters
For unavoidable journeys during Republic Day, Delhi Traffic Police recommends these alternate routes:
North-South Corridor:
- Ring Road - Ashram Chowk - Sarai Kale Khan - IP Flyover - Raj Ghat - Ring Road
- From 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 - Subramaniam Bharti Marg - Rajesh Pilot Marg - Prithvi Raj Road - Safdarjung Road - Kamal Ataturk Marg - Panchsheel Marg - Simon Boliver Marg - Upper Ridge Road/Vande Matram Marg
- Ring Road - ISBT - Chandgi Ram Akhara - Mall Road - Azad Pur - Ring Road
NCR Cities Implement Special Republic Day Restrictions
Noida Traffic Arrangements:
- Border restrictions at Kalindi, DND, Chilla, New Ashok Nagar, Vasundhara, Jhundpura, and Haridarshan
- Goods vehicles restricted from entering Delhi from Noida
- Special diversions at Chilla Red Light, DND, and Kalindi Kunj borders via Noida-Greater Noida Expressway
Gurugram Restrictions:
- No goods vehicles allowed into Delhi from 9 pm on 25 January until parade completion
- Diversions at Rajokri Kapashera Aaya Nagar and Bajghera border points
Faridabad Measures:
- Heavy vehicles from Uttar Pradesh and Palwal redirected via KGP/KMP
- Border closures at Badarpur, Prahladpur Shooting Range, and routes to Chhatarpur
- Traffic blockades at seven strategic locations including Suraj Kund Chowk and Badarpur Border
Additional Traffic Advisories and Public Information
Vehicle Restrictions:
- No TSR and taxi services permitted in notified areas after 7 am on 26 January
- Heavy/medium/light goods vehicles (except essential services) prohibited from entering Delhi from 9 pm on 25 January
- Complete prohibition on flying sub-conventional aerial platforms including drones, UAVs, and paragliders
Public Transportation Adjustments:
City bus services will terminate at ten designated points including Park Street/Udyan Marg, Pragati Maidan, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, and Tis Hazari Court. Interstate buses will follow specific diversion routes, while Delhi Metro services will operate normally at all stations throughout Republic Day celebrations.
Staying Updated on Republic Day Traffic
Commuters are advised to plan journeys in advance and avoid parade routes between 9:30 am and 1:00 pm. Real-time updates are available through:
- Delhi Traffic Police official website
- Social media channels on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram
- WhatsApp number 8750871493
- Helpline numbers 1095 and 011-25844444
The Delhi Traffic Police emphasizes patience, traffic rule observance, and cooperation with deployed personnel to ensure safe and smooth Republic Day celebrations across the National Capital Region.
