Delhi Roads and Metro Gates Closure
As Delhi gears up for the grand Republic Day celebrations, the city is preparing for a crucial full dress rehearsal of the parade on Friday, January 23. While the spectacle is a matter of national pride, it will bring significant changes to traffic movement and access to certain Delhi Metro stations, especially in and around Central Delhi.
To help commuters plan better, the Delhi Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory outlining road closures, diversions, and Metro-related updates. Here’s everything you need to know before stepping out.
Republic Day Parade Rehearsal Route and Timings
The full dress rehearsal will begin at 10:30 am from Vijay Chowk and conclude at the Red Fort by around noon. The parade will move along the traditional ceremonial route, passing through:
- Kartavya Path
- C-Hexagon (India Gate)
- Tilak Marg
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
- Netaji Subhash Marg
Given the scale of the rehearsal, traffic restrictions will be enforced for several hours, with some starting as early as the night of January 22.
Major Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions in Central Delhi
To ensure smooth conduct of the rehearsal, multiple roads will be either fully or partially closed:
- Kartavya Path (Vijay Chowk to India Gate) will remain restricted from late night on January 22
- All roads leading to Kartavya Path from Rafi Marg, Janpath, and Man Singh Road will be closed
- Vehicle entry into the C-Hexagon (India Gate area) will be restricted from 9:15 am
- Tilak Marg, Azad Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg will remain completely closed for both entry and exit
Authorities have strongly advised commuters to avoid traveling through Central Delhi during this period and to allow extra time if travel is unavoidable.
Delhi Metro Services: What’s Open and What’s Not
Delhi Metro trains will operate as usual on January 23 and January 26. However, selected gates at six Metro stations will remain closed during the rehearsal and on Republic Day for security reasons.
The affected stations and gates include:
- Central Secretariat: Gates 3 and 4
- Udyog Bhawan: Gate 1
- Red Fort: Gates 3 and 4
- Jama Masjid: Gates 3 and 4
- Delhi Gate: Gates 1, 4, and 5
- ITO: Gates 3, 4, and 6
All other gates at these stations will remain operational to facilitate passenger movement.
Suggested Alternative Routes for Commuters
While Central Delhi will face heavy restrictions, traffic in other parts of the city is expected to remain largely normal.
For travel between North and South Delhi, commuters can use:
- Ring Road
- Ashram Chowk
- Sarai Kale Khan
- IP Flyover
- Rajghat
For East to West Delhi travel, the following routes will remain open:
- Ring Road
- Bhairon Road
- Mathura Road
- Lodhi Road
- Aurobindo Marg
- Shankar Road
- Boulevard Road
- Rani Jhansi Flyover
- Faiz Road
However, due to diversions, congestion is likely at AIIMS Chowk, Dhaula Kuan, Aurobindo Marg, Lodhi Road T-Point, Madrasa, and Vande Mataram Marg, which may increase travel time.
How to Stay Updated in Real Time
The Delhi Traffic Police will share live updates on traffic diversions and congestion through their official social media handles and helpline services. Commuters are encouraged to follow these updates closely to avoid delays and last-minute confusion.