Republic Day 2025: Major traffic disruption in Delhi- NCR, advisory for full dress rehearsal – Check diversions, routes to avoid

As the nation gears up for the Republic Day celebrations, both Delhi and Noida are making extensive preparations to ensure smooth operations on Thursday (January 23) during the full dress rehearsal for the parade. 

The rehearsal, a crucial event leading up to the grand Republic Day parade, will take place from 10:30 AM, starting at Vijay Chowk and proceeding towards the Red Fort. To facilitate the rehearsal, significant traffic arrangements and restrictions have been implemented in both cities.

Delhi’s Traffic Advisory

In Delhi, the Republic Day parade rehearsal will begin at Vijay Chowk and follow a designated route, passing through Kartavyapath, the C-Hexagon, and various prominent locations including the Statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg, eventually reaching the Red Fort.

Traffic restrictions will be in place from 6:00 PM on January 22 until the parade concludes. Kartavyapath, from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, will be closed to traffic, while other key roads like Rafi Marg, Janpath, and Man Singh Road will also face closures starting at 11:00 PM on January 22.

To ensure public safety and smooth movement during the rehearsal, all types of commercial vehicles will be restricted from entering Delhi between 10:00 PM on January 22 and 1:30 PM on January 23. Major roads like ‘C’-Hexagon, India Gate, Tilak Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg will experience traffic diversions and restrictions starting at 9:15 AM on January 23. Commuters are advised to avoid the parade route from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

Metro services will remain operational, but several city bus routes will be curtailed. The city’s bus services will be restricted at locations like Park Street, Udyan Marg, and Pragati Maidan, while inter-state buses will be diverted to alternate routes, with some terminating at different points including ISBT Anand Vihar and Bhairon Road.

Additionally, aerial activities such as flying of drones, para-gliders, and other small aircraft will be prohibited over the National Capital until February 15 for security reasons.

Noida’s Traffic Advisory

In Noida, the Gautam Buddha Nagar Commissionerate has also issued a traffic advisory to manage the inflow of vehicles into Delhi during the Republic Day events. The entry of goods vehicles from Noida to Delhi will be restricted, with heavy, medium, and light goods vehicles being diverted to alternate routes such as the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

Key border points including Kalindi Kunj, DND, Chilla, and New Ashok Nagar will see traffic management by the police to ensure smooth movement. Vehicles from Noida will be redirected via the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

In addition, parking at several DMRC metro stations in Noida, including Botanical Garden and City Center, will be closed for security purposes. The police will also monitor and ensure that no vehicles are parked on the main roads during the period leading up to the rehearsal and the Republic Day celebrations.