Delhi : Traffic Curbs Announced for Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29
Delhi : Traffic Police has released a comprehensive traffic plan ahead of the Beating Retreat Ceremony scheduled at Vijay Chowk on January 29, an event held as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The advisory outlines road closures, diversions, and public transport changes aimed at ensuring smooth conduct of the ceremony and the evening illumination of key government buildings in the national capital.
Traffic Restrictions and Timings
According to the official advisory, traffic controls will be enforced from 2:00 pm until 9:30 pm on January 29. During this period, Vijay Chowk will be completely closed to civilian traffic. The restrictions are being implemented to manage crowds and ensure secure movement for invited guests attending the ceremony.
Roads Affected by Closures
Several major roads surrounding Vijay Chowk will face restrictions. Rafi Marg will be closed between the roundabout near Sunehri Masjid and the roundabout close to Krishi Bhawan. Raisina Road leading from Krishi Bhawan towards Vijay Chowk will also remain inaccessible. In addition, traffic will not be permitted beyond the roundabouts on Dara Shikoh Road, Krishna Menon Marg, and near Sunehri Masjid in the direction of Vijay Chowk. Kartavya Path, between Vijay Chowk and the C-Hexagon, will also remain shut for the duration of the event.
Suggested Alternate Routes for Motorists
To reduce inconvenience, the traffic police has advised commuters to use alternative corridors. Recommended routes include Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Madarsa T-Point, Safdarjung Road connecting to Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road, and Minto Road. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and factor in additional travel time.
Changes to City Bus Services
Public transport services will also see significant changes. Delhi Transport Corporation buses and other city buses will be diverted from their regular routes between 2:00 pm and 9:30 pm. These measures are intended to ease congestion around Vijay Chowk and India Gate while allowing uninterrupted movement for ceremony attendees.
Diversions for Central and New Delhi Routes
Buses heading towards Central Secretariat and Connaught Place from Shanti Path, Vinay Marg, and Sardar Patel Marg will follow an alternative route via Panchsheel Marg, Simon Bolivar Marg, Vande Matram Marg, R.A. Shankar Road, and Sheikh Mujibur Rehman Road. Services terminating at Central Secretariat will halt at Udyan Marg before returning through Kali Bari Marg and Mandir Marg.
Adjustments for Connaught Place and Mandi House Services
Connaught Place-bound buses will operate via Mandir Marg, Kali Bari Marg, the GPO area, and Baba Khadak Singh Marg. Return journeys will follow Bhagat Singh Marg and Peshwa Road. Buses approaching Mandi House and Feroz Shah Road via Barakhamba Road will terminate at Shivaji Stadium and return using Kasturba Gandhi Marg.
Diversions for North and South Delhi Connectivity
Buses traveling from South Delhi towards Old Delhi Railway Station, Red Fort, and ISBT Kashmiri Gate will be routed through Ring Road, Ridge Road, and Rani Jhansi Road. Services coming from the Ashram side will move via Ring Road towards Sarai Kale Khan and Raj Ghat. Buses from Vikas Marg heading south will also use Ring Road and Ashram Chowk.
Parking Arrangements and Public Advisory
Parking for visitors wishing to view the illumination at Vijay Chowk will be available after 7:00 pm behind the water channels between Rafi Marg and the C-Hexagon. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious items or individuals to nearby police personnel. Commuters are advised to follow traffic instructions, maintain road discipline, and stay updated through official traffic police communication channels.