Delhi Police issues traffic advisory for Independence Day, roads around Red Fort to be closed

Delhi Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory announcing road closures, diversions and restrictions in the national capital on August 13 and 15 in view of the full-dress rehearsal and Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

The full-dress rehearsal will be held on August 13, while the main Independence Day ceremony will take place on August 15, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Roads to remain closed for six hours

According to the advisory, several roads around the Red Fort will remain closed to general traffic from 4 am to 10 am on both August 13 and 15. Only vehicles carrying authorised labels will be allowed to use these stretches during the restricted period.

The affected roads include Netaji Subhash Marg between Delhi Gate and Chatta Rail Chowk, Lothian Road from GPO Delhi to Chatta Rail Chowk, SP Mukherjee Marg from HC Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar Chowk and Chandni Chowk Road between Fountain Chowk and the Red Fort.

Restrictions will also be imposed on Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its link road, as well as Ring Road between Rajghat and ISBT.

The DND-NH-24/NH-9-Yudhister Setu-Signature Bridge-Wazirabad Bridge corridor will, however, remain available for access to Ring Road. The Old Iron Bridge and Geeta Colony Bridge towards Shanti Van will remain closed.

Goods vehicles face restrictions

Movement of goods vehicles will also be regulated ahead of the rehearsal and the main ceremony.

Goods vehicles will not be permitted between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge from midnight on August 12 until 11 am on August 13. The same restriction will be imposed from midnight on August 14 until 11 am on August 15.

Inter-state and Delhi Transport Corporation buses will also face diversions and curtailments during the restricted hours.

Buses that normally terminate at locations including Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Old Delhi Railway Station will be diverted to alternative termination points, including Ramlila Ground, Mori Gate, Tis Hazari and Boulevard Road.

Special routes for railway stations, hospitals

Delhi Traffic Police has laid down alternative routes for commuters travelling to key locations, including Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station and ISBT Kashmere Gate.

Special arrangements have also been made to facilitate access to JP Hospital and Kasturba Hospital during the traffic restrictions.

Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and avoid roads around the Red Fort during the restricted hours. Signboards will be placed at important intersections to guide commuters towards alternative routes.

DTC recovery vans will also be positioned at Gokhale Marg, Ghata Masjid, Yamuna Bazar, Delhi Gate and Chatta Rail Chowk from 5 am until the traffic restrictions are withdrawn.

Aerial activities banned across Delhi

As part of security arrangements for Independence Day, authorities have also prohibited the use of several aerial platforms across the national capital from August 2 to August 16.

The restriction covers paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted aircraft, hot-air balloons, quadcopters and similar aerial devices.

The traffic and security measures are aimed at ensuring smooth conduct of the full-dress rehearsal and the Independence Day ceremony while managing movement around the heavily secured Red Fort area.