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One can see two kinds of Delhi people on August 15: those making their way to the Red Fort to participate in Independence Day celebrations, and those doing everything possible to stay away from it. Whichever camp you belong to, expect the city's roads and Metro services to operate a little differently than usual.
With Independence Day celebrations returning to Old Delhi, the city is preparing for heightened security, early-morning metro services, road closures and major traffic diversions. None of this is exactly surprising, and is an annual affair.
Here's everything you need to know before stepping out.
Is the Delhi Metro running on Independence Day?
Yes, and earlier than usual.
To help special guests and invitees reach the venue, Delhi Metro services will begin at 4am, instead of the usual 6am. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), trains will operate at 30-minute intervals from 4am until regular services resume.
If you're heading towards the Red Fort, the closest Metro stations are Lal Qila, Jama Masjid and Indraprastha.
Which roads will remain closed?
Several roads around the Red Fort will remain closed to the general public between 4am and 10am on August 15. Only vehicles carrying valid labels will be permitted in the area.
The affected roads include
- Netaji Subhash Marg between Delhi Gate and Chatta Rail Chowk
- Lothian Road between GPO Delhi and Chatta Rail Chowk
- SP Mukherjee Marg between HC Sen Marg and Yamuna Bazar Chowk
- Chandni Chowk Road between Fountain Chowk and the Red Fort
- Nishad Raj Marg between Ring Road and Netaji Subhash Marg
- Esplanade Road and its link road to Netaji Subhash Marg
- Ring Road between Rajghat and ISBT
You'll also want to avoid stretches around India Gate, C-Hexagon, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, JLN Marg and parts of Ring Road and Outer Ring Road until at least noon.
Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to factor in additional travel time. So, avoid last-minute departures. Information signboards will be placed at key junctions, while DTC recovery vans will be stationed at Gokhale Marg, Ghata Masjid, Yamuna Bazar, Delhi Gate and Chatta Rail Chowk from 5am until traffic curbs are lifted.
What are the alternate routes?
For North-South travel
Use Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Kautilya Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, Park Street, Mandir Marg, Panchkuian Road and Rani Jhansi Road. If you're crossing the Yamuna, stick to Nizamuddin Bridge, Pushta Road and GT Road.
For East-West travel
NH 24, NH 9, Barapullah Road, DND, Ring Road and Bhairon Road remain your safest bets. The DND-NH 24-Yudhishthira Setu-Signature Bridge-Wazirabad Bridge corridor is expected to see smoother movement, while the Old Iron Bridge and Geeta Colony Bridge towards Shanti Van will remain shut.
What about interstate and DTC buses?
Interstate buses won't be allowed to enter the stretch between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT from midnight on August 14 until 11am on August 15.
Local city buses, including DTC services, will also remain suspended on Ring Road between ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Nizamuddin Khatta during the same period.
Bus routes terminating at Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Old Delhi Railway Station will be diverted to Ramlila Ground, Mori Gate, Tis Hazari and Boulevard Road. Normal services are expected to resume after 11am.
Can you still travel to railway stations?
Yes, but you'll need to rely on the designated alternate routes and leave earlier than usual.
What not to carry to the Red Fort?
- Cameras
- Binoculars
- Remote-controlled car keys
- Umbrellas
- Handbags
- Attache cases
- Transistors
- Water bottles