Delhi traffic alert: Full dress rehearsal for Republic Day parade on 23rd January- check all details

NEW DELHI: In connection with the Republic Day Celebrations-2026, there will be Full Dress Rehearsal on 23rd January 2026. The rehearsal will have the same route as that of the Parade on Republic Day. The Parade rehearsal will start at 10.30am from Vijay Chowk and will proceed to Red Fort. There would be elaborate traffic arrangements and restrictions in place for smooth conduct of the Parade along the route.

Parade Route: 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.




Police have issued detailed traffic advisories, highlighting road closures and diversions to ensure smooth conduct of the parade.

Traffic Restrictions:

• Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate will be closed from 6pm on 22nd January until the parade concludes.
• Cross traffic on Kartavya Path from Rafi Marg, Jantar Mantar, Tilak Marg, and surrounding areas will be restricted from 11pm on 22nd January.
• ‘C’ Hexagon–India Gate will be closed from 9.15am on 23rd January until the parade crosses Tilak Marg.
• Tilak Marg, Azad Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg will be closed to traffic in both directions from 10.30am on 23rd January, with cross traffic allowed only depending on parade movement.

Commuters are advised to avoid the parade route from 9.30 am to 3pm and plan their journeys in advance.

Suggested Alternate Routes:

• North–South Corridor: Ring Road – Ashram Chowk – Sarai Kale Khan – I.P. Flyover – Raigiri – Ring Road; or via Lodhi Road – AIIMS Chowk – Dhaula Kuan – Shankar Road.
• East–West Corridor: Ring Road – Bhairon Road – Mathura Road – Lodhi Road – Dhaula Kuan – Vande Mataram Marg – Park Street or Mandir Marg; other routes include Boulevard Road – Rani Jhansi Flyover – Ring Road – ISBT – Azadpur – Punjabi Bagh.

Railway Stations:

• New Delhi Railway Station: From South Delhi via Dhaula Kuan – Vande Mataram Marg – Panchkuian Road – Outer Circle, Connaught Place – Chelmsford Road; from East Delhi via Boulevard Road – Rani Jhansi Flyover – Paharganj Bridge.
• Old Delhi Railway Station: From South Delhi via Ring Road – Ashram Chowk – Sarai Kale Khan – Chank Yamuna Bazar – S.P. Mukherjee Marg – Chhata Rail – Kashmiri Bridge.

Bus Services: City buses will be curtailed at Park Street, Aram Bagh Road, Kamla Market, Delhi Sachivalay (IG Stadium), Pragati Maidan, Hanuman Mandir (Yamuna Bazar), ITO, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, ISBT Sarai Kale Khan, and Tis Hazari Court. Inter-state buses will also face diversions depending on their origin.

Metro Services: Metro services will remain operational at all stations during the rehearsal.

Commercial Vehicles: HTVs, MGVs, and LGVs (except essential services) will not be allowed to enter Delhi borders from 9pm on 22nd January until the rehearsal concludes.

Taxis and TSRs: No taxi or TSR will be allowed in areas including Mother Teresa Crescent, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Ashoka Road, Sansad Marg, Tolstoy Marg, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Ferozeshah Road, Bhagwan Dass Road, Mathura Road, Humayun Road, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Marg, Kautilya Marg, and Patel Road after 7am on 23rd January.

Instructions to Public: Citizens are urged to report any suspicious objects or persons to the nearest police officer. Aerial activities, including drones, microlights, para-gliders, and quadcopters, are restricted in the area.