As India prepares to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, the Delhi Traffic Police have issued a comprehensive advisory outlining traffic restrictions and alternate routes to ensure the smooth flow of events and public convenience. These restrictions will be in place for both the full-dress rehearsal on August 13th and the main Independence Day celebrations.

Restrictions Around Red Fort

The primary focus of the traffic advisory is the area surrounding the Red Fort, where the Prime Minister will address the nation. To facilitate security arrangements and the movement of ceremonial processions, several roads will be closed to general traffic from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM on both August 13th and August 15th. Only vehicles with authorized parking labels will be permitted on these routes.

The roads affected by these closures include:

• Netaji Subhash Marg from Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail
• Lothian Road from GPO Delhi to Chatta Rail
• Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT
• SP Mukherjee Marg from HC Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar Chowk
• Chandni Chowk Road from Fountain Chowk to Red Fort
• Nishad Raj Marg from Ring Road to Netaji Subhash Marg
• Esplanade Road and its Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg

Diversions and Alternate Routes

To mitigate inconvenience, the traffic police have planned diversions for traffic coming from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Salimgarh Bypass, Vikas Marg, and other adjoining areas. Commuters are advised to avoid certain routes, including C-Hexagon, India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandar Road, W Point, A Point Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, JL Nehru Marg, and Ring Road between Nizammuddin Khatta and ISBT.

Restrictions on Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles, including local and inter-state buses, will face restrictions on roads surrounding the Red Fort. Buses arriving from various parts of Delhi, such as Ajmeri Gate, South Delhi, Mall Road, and Baraf Khana, will be directed to specific routes to avoid the restricted zones.

Noida Traffic Police have also announced restrictions on commercial vehicles entering Delhi from Gautam Buddha Nagar district from 10 PM on August 12 until the end of the rehearsal on August 13, and again from 10 PM on August 14 until the conclusion of the parade on August 15. Alternative routes for these vehicles include the Chilla Red Light border (U-turn towards Noida-Greater Noida Expressway), DND border (turn back at DND Toll Plaza, take Noida-Greater Noida Expressway), and Kalindi Kunj Yamuna border (divert at Yamuna underpass, follow Noida-Greater Noida Expressway).

Restrictions in Gurugram and Faridabad

In Gurugram, heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter Delhi from 5:00 PM on August 12th to 1:30 PM on August 13th, and again from 5:00 PM on August 14th to 1:30 PM on August 15th. Drivers are advised to use the KMP Expressway if traveling to other states or districts. Faridabad will also enforce a complete ban on heavy vehicle entry towards Delhi from 10:00 PM on August 12th to 2:00 PM on August 13th and again from 10:00 PM on August 14th to 2:00 PM on August 15th.

Public Advisory

The Delhi Traffic Police have requested the public's cooperation in maintaining security and ensuring the smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebrations. Residents and visitors are advised not to carry prohibited items such as cameras, binoculars, remote-controlled car keys, handbags, and water bottles to the event areas. A no-fly zone will be in effect over Delhi from August 9th to August 15th, prohibiting unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, para-gliders, and hot air balloons. Citizens are also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or objects to the authorities.

Commuters are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, utilize public transport, and stay informed about the traffic situation through the Delhi Traffic Police's social media channels. In case of any issues, the helpline number 9971009001 can be contacted.