Even as India’s celebrates its 70th Republic Day, elaborate security arrangement have been put in place at the national capital. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is the chief guest at the Republic Day parade this year. He is the second South African president to be invited to the event as the chief guest. Former South African president Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in 1995.

Women commandos, mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters have been deployed at strategic locations to keep a close watch on the eight-km-long Republic Day parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort in central Delhi. According to Delhi Police, parakram vans, manned by NSG-trained commandos, have been patrolling strategic locations to ensure that security is not jeopardised.

Here are the latest updates:

Rajpath is all set for the Republic day parade.   | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

Traffic diversions in Delhi

laborate traffic arrangements and restrictions have been put in place in Delhi for smooth conduct of the Republic Day parade between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort Grounds, traffic police officials said Tuesday.

Metro services will be available for commuters at all stations on Republic Day, but there will be no boarding and de-boarding at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan stations from 5 am till 12 pm, they said.

President's address

Earlier, addressing the nation on the eve of the 70th Republic day, the President said the “Indian model” rested on the tripod of diversity, democracy and development.

He called upon citizens to perform the “sacred” act of voting, and described this year’s election as a “once-in-a-century moment” that will shape the future of India.

Stressing the importance of an inclusive and pluralistic growth model, he said: “This country belongs to each of us and to all of us — every group and every community, every region and every identity. It belongs to every citizen and every individual. India’s pluralism is its greatest strength and its greatest example to the world.”

Tight security

Elaborate measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, have also been put in place to secure the airspace over Delhi, police said.

The parade will start at 9.50 am from Vijay Chowk and pass through Rajpath, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar (BSZ) Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg and proceed for the Red Fort. A function will also be held at India Gate at 09.00 am, the traffic police said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. He will be the second South African president to be invited to the event as the chief guest. Former South African president Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in 1995.