Heavy vehicles banned, thousands of cops on the streets, and key routes diverted- Delhi and Gurugram are gearing up for Republic Day rehearsals. From roadblocks to flight delays, here’s how the security drill could disrupt your daily commute.
Heavy vehicles diverted for Republic Day preparations
New Delhi: As preparations intensify for the Republic Day celebrations, commuters in Delhi and Gurugram should brace for significant traffic restrictions over the coming days.
The Gurugram Traffic Police have issued a detailed advisory ahead of the final Republic Day rehearsal scheduled for January 23, announcing temporary bans on the entry of medium and heavy goods vehicles into Delhi and Gurugram.
According to the advisory, medium and heavy goods vehicles will not be allowed to enter Delhi and Gurugram from 5 pm on January 22 until 1:30 pm on January 23 due to the full-dress rehearsal.
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Similar restrictions will also be enforced from 5 pm on January 25 to 1:30 pm on January 26, coinciding with Republic Day celebrations. The move aims to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain tight security during rehearsals and the main event.
To minimise inconvenience, authorities have planned several diversions. Heavy vehicles approaching from the Jaipur side on NH-48 will be diverted at Pachgaon onto the KMP Expressway.
Vehicles originating from Gurugram’s local areas will be redirected at key junctions, including Hero Honda Chowk, Shankar Chowk, Mehrauli Border, Sohna, Pataudi and Farukhnagar. Transporters heading to other districts or states have been advised to use the KMP Expressway from Panchgaon Chowk.
The advisory clarifies that vehicles carrying essential items such as milk, fruits, vegetables, as well as ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, and vehicles ferrying airport passengers, will be exempt from these restrictions.
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A senior police official confirmed that over 3,000 police personnel will be deployed across Gurugram for Republic Day security. Intensive checking operations are underway at railway stations, bus terminals, metro stations and crowded public areas. Plainclothes officers have also been stationed at sensitive locations to strengthen surveillance.
Adding to commuter woes, Delhi’s airspace will be partially closed from January 21 for Republic Day flypast rehearsals. This is expected to impact over 600 flights daily, leading to delays, rescheduling and cancellations at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Authorities maintain that these measures are essential to ensure public safety and the smooth conduct of Republic Day events along Kartavya Path.
