Delhi Metro Issues Republic Day 2026 Travel Advisory: Timings, Gate Closures and Free Rides Explained

With Delhi under heightened security ahead of the Republic Day 2026 celebrations, the Delhi Metro is set to play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and safe movement across the city.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has released a detailed travel advisory for January 26, urging passengers to plan their journeys carefully in view of early morning services, station gate closures and additional security checks.

The advisory is aimed at commuters travelling for the Republic Day parade as well as regular passengers, with special arrangements made to reduce inconvenience and manage large crowds heading towards Kartavya Path.

Metro services to start at 3 AM with limited frequency

The DMRC has announced that train services on all Metro lines will begin much earlier than usual on Monday, January 26. Services will commence at 3:00 am, with trains running at 15-minute intervals until 6:00 am.

Passengers have been advised to make use of these early services to avoid last-minute delays, especially those heading towards the parade venue. The early start is intended to help people reach Kartavya Path comfortably and on time.

Entry and exit gates of six stations to remain closed

As part of the Republic Day security arrangements, the DMRC has confirmed that entry and exit gates at six Metro stations will remain closed from 3:00 am until the conclusion of the programme.

The affected stations and gates are:

• Central Secretariat: Gate number 3 and 4
• Udyog Bhawan: Gate number 1
• Lal Quila: Gate number 3 and 4
• Jama Masjid: Gate number 3 and 4
• Delhi Gate: Gate number 1, 4 and 5
• ITO: Gate number 3, 4 and 6

According to the DMRC, "Due to security arrangements on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations, entry and exit at selected metro station gates will remain temporarily closed on 26th January 2026, from 3:00 AM till the conclusion of the programme."

Parking facilities to remain open across the Metro network

Despite the restrictions at select stations, the DMRC has clarified that parking facilities at Metro stations will remain fully operational on Republic Day.

"The parking facilities at metro stations across the network will remain fully operational on Republic Day, providing additional convenience for those attending the celebrations," the DMRC said in a statement.

This move is expected to benefit commuters who plan to drive to nearby stations and continue their journey by Metro.

Free Metro travel for invited spectators and safety advisory

To facilitate the movement of spectators, free Metro tickets are being provided along with invitation cards. These tickets will be valid for both onward and return journeys. Only passengers carrying a valid invitation or ticket along with a government-issued photo ID will be allowed to use this facility.

Passengers using free Metro tickets will be able to deboard at Udyog Bhawan or Central Secretariat Metro stations and proceed to their designated seating areas.

In addition, the DMRC has urged commuters to allow extra time for travel due to enhanced security checks at all stations. Passengers have been advised to cooperate with security personnel, remain patient while standing in queues, and maintain discipline during peak hours.

The Metro authority has also issued a general safety advisory, asking passengers to mind the gap between the platform and train doors, remain vigilant while travelling with children and infants, and take care of valuables and loose clothing such as sarees, dupattas, dhotis and bags while boarding or alighting.