Delhi Traffic Alert: Borders Sealed Tonight as Republic Day Parade Brings Citywide Restrictions

New Delhi, January 25, 2026

Delhi is set for major traffic disruptions starting this evening, with authorities enforcing strict road restrictions and border closures ahead of the Republic Day Parade 2026. The iconic parade will begin at 10:30 AM on January 26 from Vijay Chowk and conclude at the Red Fort, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid Central and New Delhi areas.

According to the Delhi Traffic Police, no vehicles will be allowed to cross the parade route, and security arrangements will include aerial surveillance in addition to ground deployment.

🇮🇳 Republic Day Parade Route: What to Know

The ceremonial march will move along this route:

Vijay Chowk → Kartavya Path → C-Hexagon → Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Circle → Tilak Marg → Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg → Netaji Subhas Marg → Red Fort

To ease public movement, Delhi Metro services will continue at all stations throughout the day, even as several arterial roads remain shut.

⏰ When Do Traffic Restrictions Begin?

• Today (Jan 25), 5:00 PM onward:
  Kartavya Path between Vijay Chowk and India Gate closed until the parade ends.

• Today, 8:00 PM onward:
  Traffic barred from Rafi Marg, Janpath, and Man Singh Road towards Kartavya Path.

• Tomorrow (Jan 26), 9:15 AM onward:
  C-Hexagon–India Gate stretch closed until the parade crosses Tilak Marg.

• From 10:30 AM:
  No traffic allowed on Tilak Marg, B.S. Zafar Marg, and Subhas Marg in either direction.

🚧 Delhi Borders Sealed Tonight

From 9:00 PM tonight until the end of the parade on January 26, all heavy and light vehicles will be barred from entering Delhi, except those linked to essential services.

🚆 Traveling to Railway Stations? Check These Routes

New Delhi Railway Station

• From South Delhi: Dhaula Kuan → Vande Mataram Marg → Panchkuian Road → Connaught Place

• From East Delhi: ISBT Bridge → Boulevard Road → Rani Jhansi Flyover → Jhandewalan → Paharganj

Old Delhi Railway Station

• From South Delhi: Ring Road → Ashram Chowk → Sarai Kale Khan → Rajghat → Yamuna Bazaar

Travelers from North Delhi face no restrictions but are advised to plan ahead.

🚌 Where Buses Will Stop

City buses will terminate at major points including ISBT Kashmere Gate, ISBT Sarai Kale Khan, Mori Gate, Pragati Maidan, Kamla Market, Tis Hazari Court, and other designated locations.

Interstate buses from Ghaziabad and Dhaula Kuan will be diverted or terminated before entering central zones.

🆘 Help Desks & QR Code Support for Parade Visitors

To assist attendees, 12 help desks will operate around the parade area, staffed by police personnel and NCC volunteers. These desks will guide visitors on routes, seating enclosures, and parking locations.

Delhi Traffic Police has also released QR-code-enabled videos. Scanning the code printed on event passes will instantly show:

• Route maps

• Parking details

• Enclosure access paths

🚗 First-Ever Car Calling System Introduced

In a first for Republic Day celebrations, authorities have rolled out a Car Calling System. Once attendees reach designated pick-up zones, parked vehicles will be summoned via public announcements.

This system will operate for Gandak, Ganga, Ghaghra, and Pennar enclosures, with parking available at Kartavya Bhawan, Vanijya Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, and Nirman Bhawan.

📌 Why This Matters (Discover Hook)

With borders sealed, major roads shut, and thousands expected to attend the parade, planning ahead could save hours of delay. Authorities recommend using public transport, avoiding central zones, and checking official updates before stepping out.