New Delhi: Ahead of India’s Republic Day celebrations, Delhi is under high alert with more than 70,000 police personnel and 70 companies of paramilitary forces deployed across the capital. A comprehensive six-layered security protocol is in place to ensure safety during the major national event.

A significant security presence is stationed in the New Delhi district, with 15,000 personnel assigned to key areas. The security includes over 2,500 CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition and video analytics technology, anti-drone systems covering a 4-kilometre radius, snipers on rooftops, and the sealing of over 200 buildings along the parade route. Residential windows facing the route are also being secured.

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Traffic restrictions in central Delhi

Traffic restrictions have been imposed across central Delhi starting from Saturday. Key roads, especially around the Kartavya Path, are closed to vehicles to ensure smooth operations during the Republic Day Parade. The parade will begin at Vijay Chowk and proceed towards the Red Fort, passing through several major areas including Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, and Tilak Marg.

According to senior police officials, state and central security forces are working in real-time coordination to handle the massive operation. The main operational area along the parade route will see the deployment of commandos, quick reaction teams, SWAT units, and anti-sabotage checks.

“We have divided New Delhi, Central Delhi, and North Delhi districts into different zones to ensure security, with each zone led by a DCP or additional DCP-level officer,” said a police officer involved in the security planning. Several public safety measures have been set up along the parade route, including booths for missing persons, helpdesks, first-aid kiosks, and stations for visitors to deposit vehicle keys.

No aerial flights over Delhi

In addition to ground-based security, authorities have prohibited the flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms, including drones, microlight aircraft, and quadcopters, over Delhi until February 1. These measures are designed to safeguard the airspace during the Republic Day celebrations.

Heavy transport and light goods vehicles are banned from entering Delhi from other states until the parade concludes. However, metro services will continue to operate normally, ensuring smooth travel for commuters across the city.

Security is being tightened for the smooth and safe conduct of the Republic Day Parade, which will showcase India's military might and cultural heritage on Sunday.

Agency