Delhi Issues Traffic Advisory Ahead of Republic Day Parade on January 26

With Republic Day celebrations scheduled for January 26, 2026, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory warning of widespread road closures, diversions, vehicle restrictions and heightened security across central and New Delhi.

Commuters have been urged to plan their journeys in advance and avoid central Delhi during restricted hours to prevent inconvenience.

Parade Route and Timings

The Republic Day parade will be held on Monday, January 26, beginning at 10:30 am from Vijay Chowk.

It will proceed through Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose statue, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg before concluding at the Red Fort.

A related ceremony will take place at the National War Memorial near India Gate at 9:30 am.

Traffic Restrictions

Traffic curbs will come into effect from the night of January 25 and remain in place through the end of the parade on January 26.

Kartavya Path will be closed from 10:00 pm on January 25. No crossing will be allowed between Vijay Chowk and India Gate from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on January 26.

C-Hexagon near India Gate will be closed from 9:15 am onwards.

From 10:30 am, traffic on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg will be regulated or diverted. Restrictions will also apply around the Red Fort in the afternoon.

Delhi Police has advised commuters to avoid the parade route and nearby areas unless travel is essential.

Vehicle Restrictions and Diversions

Commercial vehicles will not be allowed to enter Delhi from 9:00 pm on January 25 until 6:30 pm on January 26.

Only authorised vehicles with valid passes will be permitted near the parade route.

Vehicles from Uttar Pradesh and Palwal have been advised to use the Peripheral, Eastern Peripheral or Western Peripheral Expressways.

Travellers from Noida and Ghaziabad should avoid central Delhi and use the outer Ring Road.

Suggested Routes

For north–south travel, commuters can use Ring Road via Ashram Chowk, Sarai Kale Khan, IP Flyover and ITO, or Mathura Road via Bhairon Marg.

For east–west movement, suggested routes include Ring Road through Bhairon Marg, Moolchand, AIIMS and Dhaula Kuan, as well as Rajghat, Shastri Park and Wazirabad.

Railway Stations and Bus Services

Passengers travelling to New Delhi Railway Station should use Paharganj-side roads and avoid Ajmeri Gate and central Delhi routes.

Those heading to Old Delhi Railway Station are advised to approach via ISBT Kashmere Gate.

Bus services will be regulated at major terminals including Panjab Bagh, Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan, ISBT Kashmere Gate and Hazrat Nizamuddin. Inter-state buses will terminate at designated border points and ISBTs.

Metro Services

Delhi Metro services will remain operational, though entry and exit at some stations near the parade route may be restricted depending on security arrangements.

Commuters are encouraged to use the Metro and follow station-level instructions.

Security Measures

Delhi Police has imposed strict security guidelines, banning drones, UAVs, paragliders and balloons.

Carrying large bags, arms, ammunition or sharp objects will not be allowed. Identity checks will be mandatory, and late entry will be restricted once security perimeters are sealed.

Pedestrians have been advised to use designated crossings and follow police directions.

Helplines and Updates

The 24-hour traffic helpline numbers are 011-25844444 and 1095. Emergency police assistance can be reached at 112.

Real-time updates will be shared through Delhi Police Traffic’s official social media platforms.

Commuters not attending the celebrations are advised to avoid central Delhi on January 26. Those attending should leave early, use public transport and strictly follow traffic and security instructions.