New Delhi: Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, multi-layered security arrangements have been made to secure the official parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies across India. In Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces have taken over the Maulana Azad Memorial (MAM) Stadium in Jammu and the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar where the main Republic Day functions will be held.
Barricades have been erected at various places in Srinagar city. Security forces have established special checkpoints, particularly at R S Pura and are conducting thorough vehicle checks to ensure safety. Drones are being deployed to monitor suspicious activities while a three-tier security ring, CCTV cameras, and an anti-sabotage mechanism have been set up for further vigilance.
In the national capital, as part of heightened security measures, the runway at Indira Gandhi International Airport will be temporarily closed from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm daily until January 26. As a result, over 1,300 flights will be impacted, with 665 departures and 671 arrivals likely to face disruptions. During this time, there will be approximately 81-85 departures and 82-87 arrivals each day.
According to ATC sources, "The closure is necessary for rehearsals, exercises and flypasts ahead of the Republic Day parade. The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has informed airlines and passengers about the airspace restrictions."
The impacted flights include international routes to destinations such as Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu, and Colombo.
Security arrangements have been intensified by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) across all metro stations in Delhi till January 27. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in a post on X wrote, “In wake of the view of the enhanced security arrangements ahead of Republic Day on 26th January, the security checks for passengers have been further intensified by CISF across the Metro stations till 27th January 2025.”
Police are on high alert and have imposed strict patrolling across Odisha ahead of the celebrations. They have intensified blocking and checking operations in almost every nook and corner of the capital city to ensure foolproof security measures are in place.
In Amritsar, Punjab, the additional director general of police (ADGP), law and order, Surinderpal Singh Parmar, conducted a comprehensive review of security arrangements across police stations, hi-tech checkpoints, and critical locations.
Parmar directed officials to deploy additional forces and modern equipment for ‘nakabandi’ and anti-sabotage operations.
Dismissing terror concerns, Parmar confirmed that enhanced security measures are in place, including routine and special inspections at markets, bus stands, railway stations, and other public spaces.
