Delhi Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory in preparation for the full-dress rehearsal of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 13, 2026. Severe traffic restrictions, road closures, and route diversions will be enforced across Central and East Delhi to ensure security and smooth movement.
Key Road Closures (4:00 AM to 10:00 AM)
Roads surrounding the Red Fort will be completely closed to general traffic from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM on August 13. Only vehicles carrying authorized rehearsal labels will be permitted.
Closed Stretches:
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Netaji Subhash Marg: Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail Chowk
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Lothian Road: GPO Delhi to Chatta Rail Chowk
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S P Mukherjee Marg: H C Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar Chowk
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Chandni Chowk Road: Fountain Chowk to Red Fort
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Nishad Raj Marg: Ring Road to Netaji Subhash Marg
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Esplanade Road: Including link roads to Netaji Subhash Marg
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Ring Road: Rajghat to ISBT Kashmere Gate
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Bridges: Old Iron Bridge and Geeta Colony Bridge (towards Shanti Van)
Commercial Vehicle & Bus Restrictions (Midnight to 11:00 AM)
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Goods Vehicles: Prohibited between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge.
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Interstate Buses: No movement allowed between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT.
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Local DTC Buses: Suspended on Ring Road between ISBT Kashmere Gate and Nizamuddin Khatta.
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Bus Terminations: Buses heading toward Red Fort, Jama Masjid, or Old Delhi Railway Station will terminate early at Mori Gate, Tis Hazari, Boulevard Road, or Ramlila Ground.
Recommended Alternative Routes
Commuters are strongly advised to avoid India Gate C-Hexagon, Mandi House, Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, and JLN Marg.
North–South Corridor
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Route 1: Aurobindo Marg → Safdarjung Road → Mother Teresa Crescent → Park Street → Rani Jhansi Road.
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Route 2: Connaught Place → Minto Road → Ajmeri Gate → Naya Bazar → S P Mukherjee Marg (up to ODRS).
East–West Corridor
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Route 1: NH-24 / NH-9 → Nizamuddin Khatta → Barapulla Road → Ring Road / Ashram.
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Route 2: Vikas Marg → DDU Marg → Minto Road → Connaught Place / Ajmeri Gate.
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Trans-Yamuna Crossing: Nizamuddin Bridge, Pushta Road, GT Road, and Yudhister Setu to reach northern Delhi.
Station and Hospital Routes
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Old Delhi Railway Station: Approach via Rani Jhansi Flyover, Azad Market, Boulevard Road, Mori Gate, and S P Mukherjee Marg.
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New Delhi Railway Station: Approach via Vikas Marg, DDU Marg, and Bhavbhuti Marg (from East) or CP / Chelmsford Road (from West/South).
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Hospitals: LNJP Hospital remains fully accessible. Kasturba Hospital can be accessed via Ajmeri Gate, Chawri Bazar, and Urdu Bazar.
Security Guidelines for Citizens
Prohibited Items: Visitors and commuters in security zones must not carry bags, briefcases, cameras, binoculars, remote-control car keys, water bottles, umbrellas, or electronic devices.
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Plan travel well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
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Immediately report any unattended objects or suspicious activities to the nearest police officer.
