As the nation gears up to celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, Delhi Police is implementing a comprehensive digital strategy to ensure a safe, secure, and seamless experience for thousands of guests expected at Kartavya Path. This year's celebrations promise a blend of tradition and technology, with a focus on automated guest arrivals, smart parking solutions, and enhanced security measures.
Tech-Driven Traffic Management
A key highlight of Delhi Police's digital strategy is the introduction of a QR code-based parking system. For the first time, spectators arriving by vehicles can scan QR codes on their parking passes to access real-time directions to the parking lots nearest to their seating enclosures. This system covers 22 designated parking lots and can accommodate approximately 8,000 vehicles. The goal is to minimize confusion and streamline vehicle movement during the celebrations. This QR code system will be a permanent feature for Republic Day and the Beating Retreat ceremony.
To further assist visitors, the Delhi Traffic Police has created detailed animated videos using Artificial Intelligence (AI). These videos illustrate the arrival, alighting, departure, and parking plans for invitees, familiarizing them with traffic and parking arrangements in advance. The AI-generated videos are available on the Ministry of Defence website and accessible through the QR code-based parking system.
Delhi Traffic Police has also introduced shuttle services for security personnel deployed for Republic Day arrangements, operating from Khan Market, Amrita Sher-Gil Marg, Patel Chowk Metro Station, and HC Mathur Lane.
Enhanced Security Measures
With multiple terror-related threat inputs received from intelligence agencies, Delhi Police has deployed an extensive, technology-driven security apparatus across Kartavya Path and the entire New Delhi district. The entire Kartavya Path area is under constant electronic surveillance through an extensive network of CCTV cameras integrated with advanced facial recognition system (FRS) technology. Specialised anti-drone units and sniper teams are positioned at strategic locations, including high-rise buildings, to monitor the airspace and surrounding areas. Around 10,000 police personnel will be on duty.
As a preventive measure, police teams are conducting rigorous verification of hotels, guesthouses, tenants, and domestic help across New Delhi district to eliminate potential security risks. Delhi Police has also launched the 'Eyes and Ears' initiative, encouraging citizens to remain alert and vigilant, and urging hotel owners, SIM card vendors, and others to maintain detailed records and report any suspicious activity.
Facilitating Guest Arrivals
To streamline guest arrivals, the enclosures at Kartavya Path have been renamed after Indian rivers for better identification and facilitation. Special invitees can travel for free on Delhi Metro by following the instructions on their digital passes. Spectators seated on the southern side, with enclosures such as Beas, Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghaghra, Godavari, Sindhu, and Jhelum, are advised to disembark at the 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.
Delhi Metro stations will feature regular announcements to guide visitors. Dedicated help desks have been set up at major locations around Kartavya Path to assist visitors.
Approximately 10,000 special guests from various backgrounds have been invited to witness the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path. These guests include those who have made significant contributions in income and employment generation, innovation, research, and key government initiatives. The invitees include scientists involved in ISRO projects, farmers, transgenders and more.
With these comprehensive arrangements, Delhi Police aims to ensure a safe, secure, and memorable Republic Day celebration for all.
