Security to be tightened across Delhi for Republic Day

NEW DELHI - The national capital will be turned into a fortress ahead of Republic Day, with thousands of security personnel deployed to keep a tight vigil across the city.

“A multi-layer security structure will be deployed at Rajpath where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the national flag on Jan 26,” a senior police officer said.

Anti-aircraft guns, quick reaction teams, and commandos of the National Security Guard will be deployed at various places.

“An elaborate air defence mechanism, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, has also been made to check any intrusion of air space. Helicopters of the Indian Air Force will also hover over Rajpath and the parade route,” the officer added.

Paramilitary forces personnel and Delhi Police commandos will also keep a close watch along the parade route. Snipers will also be deployed at high-rise buildings.

“The entire parade route will be covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements. Over 100 close circuit television cameras have already been installed to keep a strict watch on people’s movement between Rajpath and Red Fort area,” he said, adding there was special emphasis on “anti-sabotage checks, access control measures and intelligence coordination”.

Police have also stepped up patrolling in crowded markets. Checking and frisking measures at Delhi Metro stations, railway stations and bus terminals have also been tightened.

“In coordination with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), security at the Indira Gandhi International Airport has been strengthened,” the officer said.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade where India showcases its military might and cultural diversity.

Delhi Police have also made elaborate traffic arrangements for regulating traffic on the eight kilometre parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort.

“Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the parade route. There will be restrictions on Metro services till Tuesday noon,” Joint Commissioner (traffic) Satyendra Garg said, elaborating on the traffic arrangements.

“Trains from Dwarka will terminate on Barakhamba Road while those from Jehangirpuri will terminate at Rajiv Chowk. From Anand Vihar, the trains will only come till Yamuna Bank while those from Noida will terminate at Indraprastha,” he added.

“The city’s borders will be closed on Jan 25 night and intensive checking will be carried out. No heavy or medium vehicles will be allowed entry,” Garg said.

Police have also made traffic arrangements for the parade’s full dress rehearsal Jan 23.