Delhi Metro services to start early on Republic Day

Delhi Metro will begin operations at 3 am on Republic Day to facilitate public travel to Kartavya Path, as stated in an official announcement.

To mark the celebration of Republic Day, metro services will start at 3 am on all lines this Sunday, enabling people to attend the ceremony at Kartavya Path, the statement added.

Trains will run at 30-minute intervals until 6 am to ensure smooth commuting, after which the regular schedule will resume for the day. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and take advantage of the early metro service to avoid last-minute hassles.

Meanwhile, over 70 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 15,000 police personnel will be deployed in the capital for the Republic Day celebrations, according to an official statement.

The city will be under drone and CCTV surveillance, with cyber-specialist officers overseeing operations, a senior police officer noted.

“We have implemented multi-layered security measures, including six layers of checking and frisking, along with barricading. Thousands of CCTV cameras, including those equipped with Facial Recognition Systems (FRS), have been installed in the New Delhi district,” the officer said.

Mobile vehicles with FRS systems will also be operational, and these cameras are linked to a database for instant identification of criminals. “Delhi Police is fully prepared to handle any situation,” the officer assured.

Mock drills involving multiple security agencies are being conducted, and the DCPs of all districts have been briefed on security arrangements. Police personnel will remain on high alert and report any suspicious activity without delay, he said.

Approximately 4,000 rooftop security points have been identified in New Delhi, North, and Central districts as part of the enhanced security measures.

Attendees of the Republic Day parade will receive security stickers, and around 500 high-resolution AI-enabled cameras with FRS are being installed along the parade route and nearby areas.

“The DCPs of New Delhi, Central Delhi, and North Delhi have carried out detailed route inspections, anti-sabotage checks, and increased vigilance in high-footfall zones. Special routes, drone monitoring, and CCTV surveillance will ensure law and order,” the officer stated.

Additionally, a special meeting with the security staff of hotels and malls was conducted to ensure their readiness, he added.

(With inputs from PTI)