Delhi Traffic Disruptions for Independence Day Rehearsal on August 13

What Happened

Delhi Traffic Police implemented extensive traffic restrictions on August 13, 2026, to facilitate the full-dress rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. These measures, in effect from 4 am to 10 am, included the closure of several roads around the Red Fort and diversions for vehicles lacking specific parking labels.

Background

The traffic restrictions were put in place for security reasons and to ensure the smooth conduct of the Independence Day rehearsal. These measures affected general traffic, commercial transport, and public bus services.

Key Facts

• Traffic restrictions were in effect on August 13, 2026, for the Independence Day full-dress rehearsal at the Red Fort.
• Roads around the Red Fort were closed to general traffic from 4 am to 10 am on August 13.
• Vehicles without valid parking labels were advised to avoid areas including C-Hexagon India Gate, Copernicus Marg, and Mandi House.
• Specific road closures around the Red Fort included Netaji Subhash Marg (Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail Chowk), Lothian Road (GPO Delhi to Chatta Rail Chowk), and S.P. Mukherjee Marg (H.C. Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar Chowk).
• Other affected roads included Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road, and a section of Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT.
• Movement of goods vehicles was restricted between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge from midnight August 12 to 11 am August 13.
• Interstate buses were not permitted between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT during the same period.
• Local buses operated on alternative routes, avoiding Ring Road between ISBT Kashmere Gate and NH-24/NH-9 or the NH 'T' point at Nizamuddin Khatta.
• Normal bus services resumed after 11 am on August 13.
• Alternative routes were suggested for north-south and east-west movement across the city.

What Happens Next

Normal traffic operations resumed after 11 am on August 13, following the conclusion of the rehearsal period.