NEW DELHI: Ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations,
Delhi Police have introduced an extensive, technology-driven security plan across Kartavya Path and the entire New Delhi district, following multiple terror-related threat alerts from intelligence agencies.
For the first time, the Delhi Police alert posters for Republic Day included a photo of Mohammed Rehan, an Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) terrorist from Delhi. Authorities confirmed that he is a wanted terrorist by Delhi Police and intelligence agencies, according to news agency ANI.
This year, seating areas for the Republic Day event have been named after Indian rivers. Several adjustments have also been made to the security layout, prioritising both guest convenience and safety.
According to Additional Commissioner of Police, New Delhi District, Devesh Kumar Mahala, a multi-layered security cordon comprising Delhi Police and paramilitary forces has been deployed in the Kartavya Path area. “The entire area is under surveillance through an extensive network of CCTV cameras, integrated with an advanced facial recognition system (FRS),” he said.
He added that around 10,000 police personnel will be deployed for the celebrations, with nine on-ground briefings already conducted.
"Republic Day is celebrated on a fixed time and is observed in Kartvaya Path. In view of this, there is a security standard protocol, which has been implemented. Around 10,000 police personnel will be on duty. We have conducted briefings and rehearsals 9 times on the ground," said Mahala.
In addition, anti-drone units have been stationed for aerial surveillance, and sniper teams are positioned on high-rise buildings. To counter potential threats, an intensive verification drive of hotels, guest houses, tenants, and domestic helpers is ongoing across the district.
Pedestrians will undergo at least three layers of screening through Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) during the celebrations.
"Minimum three times, the pedestrians will undergo checking through (DFMDs). In four places, there is a provision of soft checking. Similarly, the vehicles will be checked. There will be a lot of pickets in the inner, middle and outer cordon. Border pickets and even district pickets will be checked," Mahala said.
SI Kuldeep Yadav from the control room added that nearly 1,000 cameras have been installed to detect potential threats.
"Nearly 1000 cameras have been installed to identify threats and challenges. An AI and FRS system has been used, which will alert if it detects any individual with a criminal background. If suspicious or stolen vehicles are detected, the high-resolution cameras will send an alert, and we will immediately detain them. Sufficient staff is constantly monitoring everything," said Yadav.
The police have also urged all invited guests and ticket holders to carefully check the details on their invitation cards and follow designated routes. Complete information on routes, parking, and enclosures is available on the Ministry of Defence and Delhi Police websites.
With assistance from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), announcements at metro stations will inform passengers about entry and exit gates, routes, prohibited items, and other instructions. Guests for Beas, Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghaghra, Godavari, Indus, and Jhelum enclosures should deboard at Udyog Bhawan Metro Station, while those for Kaveri, Kosi, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada, Pennar, Periyar, Ravi, Son, Sutlej, Teesta, Vaigai, and Yamuna enclosures should use Central Secretariat Metro Station. Special invited guests will have free metro travel if they comply with instructions on the digital pass.
Visitors are advised to walk only within designated channels, follow directional signage, and cooperate with security personnel at frisking points.
To assist attendees, help desks have been set up at key locations along Kartavya Path. For security reasons, carrying bags, briefcases, food items, electronic devices other than mobile phones, power banks, water bottles, weapons, sharp objects, inflammable substances, umbrellas, perfumes, toy weapons, or any explosive material inside the enclosures is strictly prohibited.
New Delhi District Police have appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police personnel or by calling 112.
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