Delhi Republic Day restrictions 2026: routes to avoid, diversions and road closures

Traffic movement will be restricted at several key crossings in Delhi on January 17, 19, 20 and 21 due to rehearsals for the Republic Day parade along Kartavya Path, police said on Friday (January 16, 2026).

According to the traffic advisory, the rehearsals will be held from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, with the parade route extending up to the C-Hexagon. To ensure the uninterrupted movement of the parade, restrictions will be in place from 10.15 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on all four days.

Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys, and follow traffic rules and directions of personnel deployed on duty.

Road closures and restricted areas

During this period, traffic crossings at Kartavya Path at Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road and the C-Hexagon will remain closed. Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate will also remain closed for general traffic, leading to diversions and likely congestion on adjoining stretches.

Visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit 1) will also remain closed for the general public from January 21, 2026, to January 29, 2026, an official statement issued on Saturday (January 17, 2026) said.

Alternative routes for North-South and East-West travel

For north–south movement, commuters may use Ring Road via Sarai Kale Khan and the I.P. flyover towards Rajghat. Alternative routes include Lajpat Rai Marg via Mathura Road and Bhairon Road towards Ring Road, and roads such as Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg and Kautilya Marg leading to Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent and Baba Kharak Singh Marg.

For east-west movement and vice versa, traffic may use Ring Road via Bhairon Road and Mathura Road towards Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg and Prithvi Raj Road, further via Safdarjung Road and Kamal Ataturk Marg towards Panchsheel Marg, Simon Bolivar Marg and Upper Ridge Road or Vande Mataram Marg. Another option is Ring Road via ISBT, Chandgi Ram Akhara and Mall Road towards Azadpur.

Routes for Central Delhi, Connaught Place and South-West Delhi

For movement between East Delhi and South-West Delhi, commuters may use Ring Road via Vande Mataram Marg.

Those travelling from South Delhi towards Connaught Place and the Central Secretariat may use Mother Teresa Crescent via Park Street towards Mandir Marg or Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Other routes include Ring Road via Vande Mataram Marg and Link Road towards Panchkuian Road, or Ring Road and Sardar Patel Marg towards 11 Murti, Mother Teresa Crescent and the RML roundabout, further towards North Avenue or Baba Kharak Singh Marg.

Motorists heading towards Vinay Marg or Shanti Path and proceeding towards New Delhi and beyond have been advised to use Sardar Patel Marg via Mother Teresa Crescent and the RML roundabout, or Park Street via Mandir Marg.

Things to consider on Republic Day

Commuters should factor in some extra travel time during the rehearsal period. If you have a set schedule, such as going to the office or catching a flight, you may want to consider rescheduling any non-urgent trips during the late morning to early afternoon hours. Using public transport, such as the Delhi Metro or buses on unaffected routes, can help reduce delays and prevent you from getting stuck near the restricted areas. Officials have mentioned that traffic plans might change on short notice due to security reasons. So, it’s best to keep an eye on official updates, traffic helpline news and local announcements before you head out. 

(With PTI inputs)