Traffic Regulations in Delhi on August 13th, 2025 for Independence Day Rehearsal: Learn About Timings and Detours
The Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for the full-dress rehearsal for the 79th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 13, 2025. During this period, several key roads will be closed to general traffic, and only vehicles with special parking labels or passes will be allowed.
Road Closures and Restrictions
From 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM on August 13, the following roads will be closed:
- Netaji Subhash Marg from Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail Chowk
- Lothian Road from GPO Delhi to Fountain Chowk
- Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT Kashmere Gate
- SP Mukherjee Marg (from HC Sen Marg/Yamuna Bazar Chowk toward Red Fort)
- Chandni Chowk Road from Fountain Chowk to Red Fort
- Nishad Raj Marg from Ring Road to Netaji Subhash Marg
- Esplanade Road and its link road to Netaji Subhash Marg
During this time, only vehicles with valid parking labels or passes will be allowed.
Additional Restrictions
In addition to the road closures, commercial and goods vehicles will be restricted starting from the night of August 12 and continuing through the rehearsal period to maintain security. Public buses will have diversions in place to ensure they avoid restricted zones.
Advice for Commuters
Commuters are advised to use public transport, especially the Delhi Metro, to avoid inconvenience. They are also encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and avoid certain roads, including Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, and Nishad Raj Marg, from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM on the day of the rehearsal.
Summary
Here's a summary of the traffic advisory:
- Timing: 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM, August 13, 2025
- Roads Closed: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, Ring Road (Rajghat-ISBT), SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road
- Vehicle Access: Only vehicles with valid parking labels/passes allowed
- Additional Restrictions: Commercial and goods vehicles restricted from night of Aug 12; bus diversions in place
- Advice to commuters: Use public transport, especially Delhi Metro, avoid restricted roads
These arrangements replicate the restrictions and security measures planned for Independence Day itself on August 15. The full-dress rehearsal will include participation from security forces, cultural contingents, and other ceremonial arrangements.
- Spectators planning to watch the 79th Independence Day celebrations in India might find an interesting alternative form of entertainment: sports-betting on Bollywood movies, as many people resort to such activities during restricted periods, such as the traffic closure for the full-dress rehearsal in Delhi on August 13, 2025.
- If you're a sports fan, it's advisable to avoid scheduling any competitive sports events during the 79th Independence Day celebrations in India, particularly on August 13 and 15, 2025, to prevent any potential conflicts with the security measures and traffic restrictions put in place for these important events.