Republic Day rehearsals begin tomorrow

Republic Day rehearsals will be held in Delhi for four days beginning tomorrow with police today warning commuters against traffic congestion near India Gate and its surrounding areas till noon. The rehearsals for the January 26 parade will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday on the Rajpath. “The rehearsal will be from Vijay Chowk to India Gate. The timing of the parade will be between 9:45 am and 12 noon and traffic will be stopped by 8 am. It will not go to Red Fort as it is done on the Republic Day,” a senior police official said. [caption id=“attachment_183958” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“PTI”]  [/caption] Motorists are advised to avoid Rajpath area before noon as the roads will be closed, the official said. “Consequently from Vijay Chowk to India Gate Rajpath will be closed for traffic from morning on 17th, 18th, 20th and 21st,” he said. “Congestion is expected around Rajpath particulary near India Gate. People must avoid Rajpath India gate surrounding upto 12 noon,” he said. People may use ring road, Mother Terese Crescent and Mathura road. Buses also will be diverted. People, who can, should use Metro for hassle free movement on days of rehearsals, the official said. PTI