R-Day 2026: Multi-layered security in place at Kartavya Path

Delhi Police have rolled out an extensive, multi-layered security and facilitation plan for the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, with enhanced surveillance, anti-drone measures and a revised enclosure system aimed at ensuring both safety and smooth movement of thousands of invitees.

From metro station announcements to a QR code-based parking system, a series of measures have been rolled out for Republic Day celebrations along the Kartavya Path in Delhi.

New Delhi District Police said robust arrangements have been put in place as the Capital prepares to host the national event, which draws dignitaries, foreign guests and citizens from across the country. For this year’s celebrations, the enclosures along Kartavya Path have been renamed after Indian rivers, a move officials said would also help streamline access and crowd management. “We are committed to providing a secure yet welcoming environment for everyone attending the Republic Day function,” said Additional Commissioner of Police (New Delhi District) Devesh Kumar Mahla. He said multiple security layers and facilitation measures were being implemented to ensure the event passes without incident.

According to police, a multi-layered security cordon comprising Delhi Police and paramilitary forces has been deployed across Kartavya Path and surrounding areas. The entire zone is under constant surveillance through an extensive network of CCTV cameras integrated with a facial recognition system (FRS) technology. Specialised anti-drone units have been positioned to monitor airspace, while sniper teams have been deployed on high-rise buildings overlooking the parade route.

Police have also intensified verification drives across the New Delhi district. Checks of hotels, guest houses, tenants and domestic help are being carried out to eliminate any potential security risks in the days leading up to the celebrations, officials said.

Alongside security, the Delhi Police have issued a detailed advisory to facilitate the movement of guests. Invitees and ticket holders have been asked to carefully read instructions on their passes and follow the designated routes to their respective enclosures. Detailed route maps, parking layouts and enclosure information have been made available on the official websites of the Ministry of Defence and Delhi Police.

To ease last-mile connectivity, police are coordinating closely with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Regular announcements are being made at metro stations regarding entry and exit gates, walking routes to enclosures, prohibited items and other instructions.

From metro station announcements to a QR code-based parking system, a series of measures have been rolled out for Republic Day celebrations along the Kartavya Path in Delhi.

While the metro announcements will guide ticket and pass holders travelling to the parade venue, the QR code-based system will help nearly 8,000 vehicles park at designated locations close to the respective seating enclosures.

All enclosures for this year’s Republic Day parade have been named after rivers, and commuters will be directed to specific metro stations depending on whether their allotted seating enclosure lies to the north or south of the Kartavya Path, officials said.

According to the announcements, spectators seated on the southern side and allotted enclosures such as Beas, Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghagra, Godavari, Sindhu and Jhelum will be asked to get down at Udyog Bhawan Metro Station.

Those holding tickets for the northern side, with enclosures including Kaveri, Kosi, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada, Pennar, Periyar, Ravi, Son, Satluj, Teesta, Vaigai and Yamuna, are being advised to exit at the Central Secretariat Metro Station. Officials said pedestrian pathways have also been aligned with enclosures named after rivers to ensure smoother access and reduce congestion on the parade day.

A senior official said a QR code-based parking system has been introduced to assist spectators arriving by vehicle. The system covers 22 designated parking lots and is aimed at accommodating nearly 8,000 vehicles.

Under the arrangement, parking pass holders can scan the QR codes printed on their passes to access real-time directions to the parking lots closest to their seating enclosures, from where they can walk to their seats. The official said around 77,000 passes are issued to spectators for the Republic Day parade every year, of which about 8,000 are meant for those arriving by vehicles.

Special invitees will be allowed free travel on the Delhi Metro, as per instructions mentioned on their digital passes. Police have urged all guests to use designated channelisers, follow signage and cooperate with security personnel at frisking points. Public service announcements will be made regularly at entry points to guide visitors.

Delhi Police Help Desks have been set up at major roads and locations around Kartavya Path to assist invitees in reaching their enclosures. Officials said these desks would also address queries related to routes and access.

Police have reiterated a strict ban on carrying prohibited items inside enclosures. These include bags, food items, most electronic devices, power banks, sharp objects, lighters, inflammable materials, umbrellas, perfumes, toy weapons and alcohol, among others. Only mobile phones are permitted.