Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for Independence Day preparations. The instructions cover the August 13 full-dress rehearsal and August 15 main ceremony. On both dates, several roads near Red Fort will remain closed from 4 am until 10 am. Only authorised vehicles displaying valid passes can enter these restricted stretches.
Traffic restrictions will cover Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, and Nishad Raj Marg. Authorities will also restrict Esplanade Road plus Ring Road between Rajghat and ISBT. Additionally, commuters should avoid India Gate C-Hexagon, Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, and JLN Marg. Police have also advised people to avoid certain Ring Road stretches.
For the August 13 rehearsal, goods vehicles will face another restriction. Their movement between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge will stop from midnight on August 12. This restriction will continue until 11 am on August 13. Interstate buses will also stop operating between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT during that period.
August 15 Brings Similar Restrictions and Multiple Bus Diversions
The same transport arrangement will apply around Independence Day. Restrictions will begin at midnight on August 14 and continue until 11 am on August 15. DTC and cluster buses will follow several changed routes during these hours.
Authorities will stop and divert buses heading towards Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Old Delhi Railway Station. Normal bus services will resume after 11 am.
People travelling from South Delhi towards northern areas can use several alternative roads. Suggested routes include Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, and Kautilya Marg. Commuters may also use Mother Teresa Crescent, Park Street, Mandir Marg, Panchkuian Road, and Rani Jhansi Road. Other alternatives include Connaught Place, Minto Road, Bhavbhuti Marg, Ajmeri Gate, and Naya Bazar.
Vehicles travelling between East and West Delhi can use NH-24 or NH-9. Motorists may also choose Nizamuddin Khatta, Barapullah Road, or Ring Road. Vehicles arriving through DND can continue through Barapullah Road as another option.
Authorities have also designated alternative routes for several important destinations. These include Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station, Kashmere Gate ISBT, LNJP Hospital, and Kasturba Hospital. Travellers should check their routes before leaving home. Police have also advised commuters to start journeys earlier than usual.
Security Restrictions Cover Personal Items and Aerial Devices
Security authorities have advised visitors against carrying several items towards the ceremony venue. The list includes cameras, binoculars, umbrellas, handbags, briefcases, and transistors. People should also avoid carrying lighters, tiffin boxes, or water bottles.
Police have urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious person or object. Meanwhile, Delhi has also imposed restrictions on several aerial devices.
From August 2 until August 16, 2026, authorities will prohibit drones and quadcopters across Delhi. The ban also covers paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, hot-air balloons, and similar airborne equipment.
Finally, traffic police have repeated their appeal for August 13 and August 15. Residents should check traffic arrangements before starting any journey. Wherever possible, commuters should choose alternative routes to avoid restricted areas.
