The entire Delhi Police has been put on alert as part of security arrangement for Republic Day celebrations in the Capital.
Combing exercises are being carried out by the police in coordination with intelligence agencies along the parade route. Identities of residents in the area close to the route are also being verified.
Special Cell sleuths have been roped in to conduct surveillance on any suspicious activity. While snipers will be deployed atop buildings along the route, aerial reconnaissance will also be conducted to thwart any air-borne threat.
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Security at all major markets and other places of mass gathering has been stepped up in view of the general threat perception.
The Republic Day parade will commence from Vijay Chowk at 9.50 a.m. It will travel to the Red Fort grounds via Rajpath, India Gate, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg.
In order to ensure smooth passage of the parade, entry to the area bounded by Kautilya Marg, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Aurangzeb Road Q-point, Humayun Road, Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Mathura Road, Bhagwan Dass Road, Feroze Road roundabout, Windsor Place, Ashok Road, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent and Sardar Patel Marg up to Kautilya Marg will be restricted.
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Only vehicles bearing security labels belonging to the invitees and area residents will be permitted from 6 a.m. till conclusion of the parade around 12.30 p.m. No vehicles will be allowed to ply on Rajpath after 6 p.m. on January 25 till closure of the function the next day.
“No traffic will be allowed on Tilak Marg, BSZ Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg up to Red Fort after 4 a.m. on the Republic Day,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg.
Park-and-ride facility has been provided to the visitors in Connaught Place and on Vinay Marg. Special vehicle parking arrangements have been made for the invitees to the parade.
“Invitation cards are non-transferable. Visitors cannot bring in electronic items like laptops, cameras, video cameras, transistors, digital diaries, mobile phones and remote-controlled car-keys.
Eatables, food packets, water bottles, cigarette lighter, match boxes, knives and arms are also not allowed,” said Mr. Garg.
Rail traffic on Tilak Bridge will remain suspended between 10.30 a.m. till noon during the passing of the parade for full-dress rehearsal on January 23 and on January 26.