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R-Day rehearsal: Traffic moves at snail’s pace in New Delhi

As the nation gears up for the 69th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January, a full dress rehearsal on 23…

R-Day rehearsal: Traffic moves at snail’s pace in New Delhi

(Photo: Getty Images)

As the nation gears up for the 69th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January, a full dress rehearsal on 23 January applied the brakes on New Delhi’s traffic.

As part of massive security measures, pickets and barricades were put on the roads that connect the main stretch from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort, on which the parade moves. Commuters faced a harrowing time due to the measures.

The rehearsal started at 9.50 am and proceeded towards the Red Fort grounds through the Rajpath, India Gate, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg.

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Offices in the areas around Rajpath and India Gate were closed till 1 pm.

Traffic from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Rajpath was closed from 6 pm on 22 January till the conclusion of the parade on 23 January.

While Delhi Metro has been operating normally, boarding and de-boarding at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan was not allowed from 5 am to 12 noon. Commuters were also not allowed to board or de-board at metro stations Lok Kalyan Marg and Patel Chowk from 8:45 am to 12 noon on 23 January.

There were no restrictions for people moving from North Delhi to New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi railway station. But those moving from South and East Delhi have been advised to take alternate routes.

The Delhi Traffic police department has reportedly requested Google Maps to show live traffic, alternate routes and restrictions for the benefit of commuters.

In a first, the leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries will be attending the Republic Day ceremony as chief guests. They will also be attending a summit in New Delhi.

Further traffic restrictions in the city are expected due to the movement of the leaders.

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