Over 10K police personnel take charge on I-Day

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 14

The Delhi Police have beefed up security in the National Capital for the Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday. More than 10,000 police personnel will man the National Capital, with 700 AI-based facial recognition cameras installed across the city. A multi-layered security plan has been implemented to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and other VVIP guests.

The other measures include the deployment of over 3,000 traffic police officers across major junctions and roads leading to the Red Fort, where the main event will be held.

Security arrangements include the employment of snipers, SWAT commandos, and sharp shooters.

The general public has been advised not to bring cameras, binoculars, remote control car keys, umbrella, handbags, briefcases, transistors, cigarette lighters, tiffin boxes, water bottles, lunch boxes etc, a police advisory stated.Movement restrictions will be in place near the Red Fort, with specific road closures to facilitate access of the guests to the venue.

The movement of goods vehicles and interstate buses has been restricted, while alternative routes have been advised for commuters. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has also tightened security in the Delhi Metro with a two-step frisking process.

Visitors have been asked to use the Metro for easier access with the police suggesting adherence to guidelines, a police official said. Old Iron Bridge and Geeta Colony Bridge towards Shanti Van will be closed on Thursday, it said. Meanwhile, goods vehicles will not be permitted between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge from 12 midnight Wednesday to 11 AM Thursday. Interstate buses will not be allowed between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan ISBT from 12 AM Wednesday to 11 AM Thursday, the advisory stated. Local city buses, including from the DTC, should not move on Ring Road from 12 AM Wednesday to 11 AM Thursday between ISBT Kashmere Gate and Ring Road - NH-24 (NH-9)/NH T-point (Nizamuddin Khatta) and should take available alternative routes, it said.

All buses, otherwise terminating at Old Delhi Railway Station, Red Fort, Bhai Mati Dass Chowk, Mon Gate, ISBT Pragati Maidan and Ambedkar Stadium Terminal shall terminate opposite Turkman Gate Asaf Ali Road, it added.

Let us make India educated, clean and developed: Mayor

New Delhi: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) marked India’s 78th Independence Day with a grand celebration at the MCD Civic Centre on Wednesday. The celebration began with the hoisting of the national flag by Mayor Oberoi, followed by cultural programmes with patriotic themes performed by students from MCD schools.

In her address, Oberoi emphasised the importance of collective effort in the nation’s progress. “Today, we must take inspiration from the sacrifices of our former leaders and freedom fighters to lead our country on the path of development,” she stated. —TNS

Roads closed to traffic

Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its link road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT, Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP Flyover will remain closed for general traffic.

Vehicles without parking labels

Vehicles without parking labels for Independence Day have been advised to avoid C-Hexagon India Gate, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, Sikandra Road, W Point, A Point Tilak Marg, Mathura Road, BSZ Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg, JL Nehru Marg, Ring Road between Nizamuddin Khatta, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Outer Ring Road from Nizamuddin Khatta to ISBT Kashmere Gate via Salimgarh bypass

Alternative routes

North-South Delhi axis

For north to south access, commuters can take alternative routes from Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjang Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Kautilya Marg, SP Marg, 11 Murti, Mother Teresa Crescent, Park Street, Mandir Marg, Panchkulan Road, Rani Jhansi Road, and reach their destinations in north Delhi and vice-versa

East -West Delhi axis

Commuters going from east to west can take NH-24 (NH-9) Nizamuddin Khatta, Barapula Road, under AllMS Flyover Ring Road, NH-24 (NH-9) Nizamuddin Khatta, Ring Road, Bhairon Road, Mathura Road, Subramanian Bharti Marg, Rajesh Pilot Marg, Prithviray Road, Safdarjung Road, Kamal Ataturk Marg, Panchsheel Marg, SP Marg/Ridge Road, accordingly and vice versa