R-Day route to be fortified

NEW DELHI - A ground-to-air security apparatus will be in place along the Republic Day parade route from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort Jan 26 as India showcases its military might and cultural diversity.

About 15,000 security personnel in 192 companies of police and paramilitary forces will be deployed along the parade route in multiple layers Tuesday.

“This will be in addition to the forces available with district police as Delhi will be on high alert,” Ajay Chadha, special commissioner in the Delhi Traffic Police, told reporters here.

“Air defence measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, have also been taken to check possible intrusion of the air space,” he said.

Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters will patrol the skies around Rajpath and along the parade route, the official said.

Anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of National Security Guards will be deployed while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep a close watch.

“Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings near Rajpath and a total of 105 CCTVs will keep an eye on people’s movement between Rajpath and Red Fort,” Chadha added.

Vehicular movement on all roads leading to the India Gate monument in the heart of the city will be regulated. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the parade route and Metro services in the vicinity will be curtailed.

“There will be restrictions on Metro services till 12 noon Jan 26. Trains from Dwarka will terminate at Barakhamba while those from Jehnagirpuri will terminate at Rajiv Chowk. From Anand Vihar, the trains will come till Yamuna Banks while those from Noida will terminate at Indraprashta,” he said.

Delhi’s borders will be sealed Monday 11 p.m. till Tuesday 12 noon.