Delhi implements traffic diversions for Independence Day rehearsal

Delhi Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for August 13 to facilitate a full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Major roads surrounding the Red Fort, including Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, and Chandni Chowk Road, will be closed to general traffic from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Only vehicles with valid rehearsal passes will be permitted in these restricted zones.

In addition to road closures, heavy vehicle movement is restricted from midnight on August 12 until 11:00 AM on August 13 between Nizamuddin Khata and Wazirabad Bridge. Inter-state bus services between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT are also temporarily suspended. Local DTC bus routes will be diverted, and commuters are advised to use alternative routes such as Safdarjung Road, Arbindo Marg, or NH-24/NH-9 for north-south and east-west travel.

Security has been intensified across sensitive areas. In the Shahdara district, police have established additional pickets at seven border points adjacent to Ghaziabad. Authorities are also conducting continuous patrolling along the Yamuna riverfront using boats and Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) to ensure security through August 15. Intensive checking of vehicles entering Delhi from the Noida border is also underway.