Routes changed as Delhi hosts Republic Day gaiety

New Delhi: As the Republic Day parade proceeds on the national capital's landmark Rajpath to Red Fort, roads will be closed to commuters and traffic jams will rule the first alf of the day.

Roads to typically avoid on Republic Day in Delhi are: the Rajpath, Akbar Road, Ashoka Road, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Subhash Marg, which will all be off-limits to commuters.

Alternatively, commuters can take the Ring Road, Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Rani Jhansi Road and Mandir Marg but traffic will be slow and bottlenecks can be expected at certain major traffic junctions.

Police have stepped up security measures, saying they do not want to take "any chance" ahead of the national event, especially in the backdrop of the Mumbai carnage which claimed over 170 lives.

"After Mumbai attacks, we are not taking any chances. There are inputs (about possible strikes). We are making tight arrangements for the event," a senior police officer said.

Security was stepped up at important public places and vital installations, including the Delhi Metro stations, railway stations, bus terminals and crowded marketplaces.

Electronic surveillance was increased, the officer said, adding that extra security cover has been extended to all the religious places in the capital.

Checkings at borders and night patrolling was intensified in the capital as also the barricades being put up at various interactions and sniffer dogs deployed at railway stations, the officer added.

"A special emphasis is being laid on anti-sabotage checks, access control measures and intelligence coordination. The entire route of the parade will be covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements," a senior police official said.

"Elaborate air defence measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, have also been taken to check intrusion of air space," he added.

Besides the air defence measures, three choppers of the Indian Air Force will hover around Rajpath and all along the route of the parade.

(With inputs from PTI and CNN-IBN)