On August 13, 2025, the Delhi Traffic Police enforced strict traffic restrictions from 4 am to 10 am around the Red Fort for the full-dress rehearsal ahead of the 79th Independence Day celebrations. Key roads including Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, and Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT Kashmere Gate were closed to general traffic.
Only vehicles with special parking labels and passes were permitted in these areas. Additionally, movement of goods vehicles was banned from the night of August 12 through the rehearsal period and further restrictions on commercial vehicles and buses were imposed to ensure security and smooth proceedings for the Prime Minister’s address on August 15. Commuters are advised to use public transport, particularly the Delhi Metro, to avoid inconvenience.
Traffic Restrictions and Key Route Closures
The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory urging residents and commuters to avoid several major routes early morning on August 13 as part of the full dress rehearsal preparations for Independence Day. Road closures extended to Netaji Subhash Marg (Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail Chowk), Lothian Road from GPO to Fountain Chowk, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road, its link to Netaji Subhash Marg, and a stretch of Ring Road between Rajghat and ISBT. Vehicles without proper passes and labelled parking stickers were barred.
Diversions were in place to facilitate smooth movement and minimise traffic issues with alternate routes recommended for essential travel. Public buses were rerouted, and all inter-state buses entering from ISBT Kashmere Gate were restricted to terminate there with no entry permitted beyond certain points on the Ring Road. Delhi Police Additional CP Traffic, Dinesh Kumar Gupta, emphasised that commercial vehicle restrictions were crucial, extending from the night before to maintain security at the event venue.
Security Measures and Public Guidelines
The full-dress rehearsal is a critical security and logistical exercise involving ceremonial contingents and security personnel to replicate the Independence Day events, including the Prime Minister’s speech from the Red Fort. To ensure safety, the police prohibited certain items at the venue such as cameras, binoculars, remote control car keys, handbags, water bottles, cigarette lighters, and similar objects. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or unattended items immediately.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) facilitated early metro services starting at 4 am on Independence Day to aid smooth transportation, with stringent security checks intensified by the CISF since August 9. The police encouraged commuters to prefer public transport and cooperate with security protocols to avoid delays and maintain public safety.
Wider Impact and Regional Coordination
Traffic restrictions were not limited to central Delhi but extended to the National Capital Region including Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Greater Noida. Heavy vehicle movement bans and route diversions were enforced between August 12 and August 15 across borders and key entry points of Delhi. Areas such as the Wazirabad Bridge to Nizamuddin Khatta saw restrictions on goods vehicles, aiming to reduce congestion and potential security threats while maintaining seamless event arrangements.
These measures represent heightened vigilance in managing one of India’s most significant national celebrations, balancing security needs with public convenience.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While the restrictions and diversions impose temporary inconvenience, The Logical Indian upholds the importance of collective responsibility and empathy among citizens during such significant national occasions.
The coordinated efforts of law enforcement, transport agencies, and the public exemplify a shared commitment to safeguarding India’s independence celebrations with dignity and respect. Embracing such measures with understanding reflects community spirit and national pride.
This balanced approach seeks a harmony of effective security with minimal public inconvenience, making the celebrations memorable and safe for everyone involved.
