Delhi Traffic Alert: Roads Closed On January 19, 20, 21 for Republic Day 2026 Rehearsals

Commuters in Delhi are likely to face traffic restrictions and diversions on January 17, 19, 20 and 21 as Republic Day parade rehearsals take place along Kartavya Path, police said. The restrictions will be enforced during the late morning to early afternoon hours, affecting several key crossings in central Delhi.

According to the traffic advisory, rehearsals will be conducted on the stretch from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, extending up to the C-Hexagon. To ensure uninterrupted movement of parade contingents, traffic curbs will remain in force from 10.15 am to 12.30 pm on all four days.

Roads and crossings to avoid during rehearsal hours

During the restricted period, commuters should avoid Kartavya Path crossings at Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road and the C-Hexagon, as these intersections will remain closed. The entire Kartavya Path stretch between Vijay Chowk and India Gate will also be closed to general traffic, which may lead to congestion on adjoining roads.

Motorists heading towards central Delhi, Connaught Place and nearby government office zones are advised to plan alternate routes in advance.

Rashtrapati Bhavan access to remain restricted

In addition to traffic curbs, Circuit 1 of Rashtrapati Bhavan will remain closed for public visits from January 21 to January 29, 2026, due to Republic Day-related arrangements, officials said.

Suggested routes for north-south 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.

Other suggested roads include Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg and Kautilya Marg, connecting to Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent and Baba Kharak Singh Marg.

Alternative routes for east-west movement

For east-west travel and vice versa, commuters can use Ring Road via Bhairon Road and Mathura Road towards Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg and Prithvi Raj Road. From there, traffic can move via Safdarjung Road and Kamal Ataturk Marg towards Panchsheel Marg, Simon Bolivar Marg, 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 or Central Secretariat may take Mother Teresa Crescent via Park Street towards Mandir Marg or Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Additional routes include Ring Road via Vande Mataram Marg and Link Road towards Panchkuian Road, or Ring Road and Sardar Patel Marg via 11 Murti and the RML roundabout.

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

Commuter advisory

Commuters are advised to factor in extra travel time, especially if travelling during late morning hours. Those heading to offices, railway stations or the airport may consider rescheduling non-essential travel during the restriction window.

Police have also cautioned that traffic arrangements may change at short notice due to security requirements. Commuters are advised to stay updated through official traffic advisories and local alerts before heading out.