COVID-19 has caused many disruptions – major and minor – in the celebration of India’s Republic Day. Like, for the first time in 55 years January 26 will not see a Chief Guest present, after British Prime Minister – citing the inflating pandemic in his country – cancelled the visit. Like last year when anti-CAA protests were active during the D-Day, this time it is the farmers who’ll hold a rally in form of protests. 

Here’s everything to know about the Republic Day Parade:

1) When will the Republic Day Parade start?

The parade will start at 9.50 AM from Vijay Chowk and move towards the National Stadium. The wreath laying function at the National War Memorial will take place at 9 AM.

2) What will be the route of the parade? 

Starting from Vijay Chowk, the parade will pass through Rajpath, Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, Princess Palace roundabout, Tilak Marg and Radial Road. Then it will turn right on “C” Hexagon, turn left again to enter the National Stadium. 

3) What routes will be blocked on the Republic Day?

With traffic to the tableaux restricted, no traffic will be allowed on Vijay Chowk from 6 pm on Monday till the parade is over on Tuesday. The Delhi Police says that due to the parade no cross traffic will be allowed on Rajpath intersections from Monday afternoon.

The India Gate will be closed for traffic movements from 5 am on Tuesday till the tableaux cross Tilak Marg. The traffic will not be allowed on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Subhash Marg from 5 am Tuesday. The cross traffic can be allowed depending on the movement of tableaux. The routes that motorists can follow tomorrow are the north-south corridor that includes Ring Road, Ashram Chowk, Sarai Kale Khan, and Rajghat.

4) What will be the Metro schedule on Republic Day?

The Delhi Metro services will be partially shut. Four stations — Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk and Lok Kalyan Marg — near the Rajpath will be shut in the morning.