Full-scale rehearsal underway at the Red Fort ahead of India's 80th Independence Day celebrations.

A full-dress rehearsal for the 80th Independence Day celebrations is being conducted at the Red Fort in New Delhi on Thursday, August 13, as the national capital makes final preparations for the main event on August 15. The rehearsal comes amid heightened security measures and extensive traffic arrangements across Delhi. With large crowds expected and significant movement of security personnel and VIPs anticipated, authorities have introduced restrictions and diversions in several parts of the city.

The Delhi Traffic Police has issued detailed advisories covering both the rehearsal on August 13 and the Independence Day celebrations on August 15. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) DK Gupta said the measures have been put in place to maintain smooth traffic movement while limiting inconvenience to commuters. Under the advisory, the movement of commercial vehicles entering Delhi has been restricted from the night of August 12 until approximately 10–11 pm on August 13. Vehicles involved in essential services have been exempted from these restrictions.

Further traffic diversions are scheduled to come into effect from around 10 pm. Delhi authorities are coordinating with police departments in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana so that heavy and commercial vehicle operators are informed about the restrictions before they reach the capitals borders. Several major roads in and around central Delhi have been identified for traffic diversions. Routes such as Rajpath, Tilak Marg and roads within the Lutyens Zone that are used for VIP movement are among the areas where restrictions will be enforced.

Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance, avoid restricted areas where possible and use alternative routes. Special arrangements have also been made for passengers travelling to railway stations and other key destinations so that they can continue their journeys despite the restrictions. Gupta said traffic personnel have received detailed briefings and have been positioned at strategic points throughout the capital. Particular attention is being given to VIP movement, traffic around the Red Fort and maintaining regular traffic flow on surrounding roads.

Authorities have also enhanced real-time traffic monitoring. CCTV networks and traffic control rooms are being used to track vehicle movement, detect congestion and respond to incidents such as breakdowns or other disruptions. Officials said the monitoring system will help them take prompt action if traffic conditions change. The Traffic Police is also using social media and public advisories to keep residents updated about restrictions, diversions and recommended alternative routes.

The traffic measures form part of a broader security plan for the 80th Independence Day celebrations. Security deployment around the Red Fort has been strengthened ahead of the August 15 ceremony, while Thursdays rehearsal is being used to test arrangements for security, traffic control and the coordinated movement of personnel. The Delhi Traffic Police has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel towards restricted areas during both the rehearsal and Independence Day celebrations. Commuters have been asked to follow diversion signs, obey instructions from traffic personnel and cooperate with officials deployed at major intersections. As Delhi conducts the final rehearsal, the capital remains on heightened alert and is preparing for the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort on August 15. Authorities said their priority is to maintain security, facilitate essential movement and keep disruption to everyday travel to a minimum.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.