In view of Republic Day 2023 rehearsals, Delhi Traffic Police on Tuesday issued an advisory detailing the areas where traffic restrictions will be observed on the days of January 18, 20th, and 21st. Traffic restrictions will be effective on Kartavyapath from 10:15 AM to 12:30 PM on the mentioned dates. The main areas to avoid are the Kartavyapath-Rafi Marg crossing, Kartavyapath-Janpath crossing, Kartavyapath-Mansingh Road crossing, and Kartavyapath-C-Hexagon.
Delhi Traffic Police posted this advisory on its official account. The tweet read: "Traffic Advisory In view of #RepublicDay Parade rehearsals on Jan 18th, 20th, and 21st, traffic restrictions will be effective on Kartavyapath from 10:15 AM to 12:30 PM. Commuters are requested to avoid the mentioned routes and plan their journey accordingly. #DPTrafficAdvisory."
The advisory suggested taking Ring Road, i.e Sarai Kale Khan- IP Flyover-Rajghat, Lajpat Rai Marg-Mathura Road- Bhairon Road-Ring Road and Prithvi Raj Road-Rajesh Pilot Marg-Subramaniam Bharti Marg-Mathura Road-Bhairon Road-Ring Road for travellers on the north to south Delhi route and vice versa.
Commuters travelling from east to west Delhi and vice-versa can use Ring Road-Bhairon Road Mathura Road-Subramaniam Bharti Marg-Rajesh Pilot Marg- Prithvi Raj Road-Safdarjung Road-Kemal Ataturk Marg-Panchsheel Marg-Simon Bolivar Marg-Upper Ridge Road/Vande Mataram Marg.
Those going from east to southwest Delhi are advised to follow the Ring Road - Vande Mataram Marg route and vice versa.
People going from south Delhi to Connaught Place and Central Secretariat can use the Mother Teresa Crescent-Park Street-Mandir Marg/Baba Kharak Singh Marg route, while motorists coming to Vinay Marg, Shanti Path and going to New Delhi and beyond should take Sardar Patel Marg-Mother Teresa Crescent- RML- Baba Kharak Singh Marg or Park Street-Mandir Marg and proceed further to North Delhi/New Delhi
Due to the Republic Day dress rehearsals and preparations, there was congestion on Tuesday morning on Lutyens' Delhi Sansad Marg, Mandi House, ITO, and Kartavya Path. According to reports, the sluggish moving traffic forced office workers and commuters to wait more than 20 minutes at each stretch.
The Janpath and Man Singh Road section has already been blocked due to the ongoing construction at the saluting dais for the procession. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) began making preparations for the parade on December 15. Eight lawns along Kartavya Path include 60,000 seats for spectators, 1,000 spots for parking, and two spots for a park-and-ride facility.
Programmes On Republic Day
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane briefed about Republic Day celebrations. He listed out other events as well that will be taking place, they are as follows:
- The programme shall be more celebratory for the public. Maximum Participation by common people.
- Birthday celebration of Netaji as Parakram Diwas on January 23rd will mark the beginning of Republic Day celebrations. The Republic Day will culminate by January 30th.
- On January 23 and 24, The Tribal Ministry and Defence Ministry will participate in the Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival, which will showcase the prowess of the armed forces and the ethnic beauty of India’s tribal culture.
- Tableau selection has been done in a systematic manner. Art forms and food varieties of various states will be showcased in BharatParv at Red Fort.
- School Band competition is also going on at National War Memorial.
- PM Narendra Modi will meet NCC cadets on January 28
- K9 Vajra, Akash, Advanced Light Helicopters, and Nag Missile will be a part of the parade
ANI quoted Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane as saying: "The participation of the common people in Republic Day events is the key theme of this year’s celebrations. The second most important event is 'Parakram Diwas' on January 23, with which we will begin the celebrations of the R-Day this year."
Seating Arrangements
Aramane further said: "Seating plans on Kartavya Path have been changed, with the number of seats reduced to 45,000. As many as 32,000 of these seats will be available for online booking for general public this year and 10% of total seats at the Beating Retreat will be available for online booking."
He also said: "'Shramyogis', who worked to build the Central Vista and the new Parliament building and vegetable and milk booth vendors, would be special invitees for the Republic Day parade and will be seated in front of the main dias at R-Day parade."