Ahead of India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, Delhi Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for August 13, when a full-dress rehearsal will be held at the Red Fort. The rehearsal will involve ceremonial contingents, security forces, and dignitaries, prompting extensive traffic restrictions across central and northern Delhi.
Timings of Restrictions
Traffic movement around the Red Fort and adjoining areas will be restricted from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 13. Only vehicles with valid labels and passes will be allowed entry into the restricted zones.
Roads Closed to General Traffic
The following roads will be completely closed during the rehearsal window:
- Netaji Subhash Marg – Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail Chowk
- Lothian Road – GPO to Fountain Chowk
- S.P. Mukherjee Marg – Yamuna Bazar to Red Fort
- Chandni Chowk Road – Fountain Chowk to Red Fort
- Nishad Raj Marg – Ring Road to Netaji Subhash Marg
- Esplanade Road and its link to Netaji Subhash Marg
- Ring Road – Rajghat to ISBT
- Outer Ring Road – Wazirabad to ITO
- Vikas Marg – ITO to Lal Qila
- Mahatma Gandhi Marg – Nizamuddin Bridge to ISBT
Diversions & Alternate Routes
Traffic from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Salimgarh Bypass, and Vikas Marg will be diverted to facilitate smooth movement. Commuters are advised to avoid:
- C-Hexagon, India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandar Road
- Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, JL Nehru Marg
- Ring Road between Nizamuddin Khatta and ISBT Kashmere Gate
Public Transport & Bus Terminals
- City buses will not operate on routes passing through restricted zones.
- Interstate buses will terminate at alternative ISBTs such as Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar.
- Goods vehicles will be barred from ISBT to Nizamuddin Bridge between 11 PM on August 12 to 11 AM on August 13.
Metro Recommended
Delhi Police strongly advises commuters to use the Delhi Metro and plan their travel in advance to avoid delays.
Security Measures
- Drones, UAVs, paragliders, and similar aerial objects are prohibited over Delhi from August 9 to 15.
- Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activity or unattended objects to the nearest police officer.
