Delhi Police transforms capital into fortress for Republic Day 2026

New Delhi: In view of the Republic Day celebrations, the Delhi Police has implemented multi-layered security arrangements in the national capital. According to officials, approximately 10,000 police personnel have been deployed in the New Delhi area, and state-of-the-art technology, including AI-based smart glasses and thousands of CCTV cameras, is being used for surveillance.

What did the Delhi Police say?

"Strict security protocols have been implemented to ensure the safety of participants and spectators during the Republic Day event," Additional Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said.

He stated that security measures include pickets, barricading, and all standard operating procedures (SOPs). All police personnel have been briefed on deployment planning, point-wise instructions, and steps to be taken in case of an emergency, and rehearsals have also been conducted. To strengthen security arrangements, more than 3,000 CCTV cameras equipped with video analytics and facial recognition systems (FRS) have been installed in the New Delhi area, along the parade route and surrounding areas.

What are the security arrangements?

More than 30 control rooms have been set up to monitor the live feeds from these cameras, where approximately 150 police personnel will be deployed 24/7. In a major technological advancement, police personnel deployed in the field have also been provided with AI smart glasses linked to FRS and video analytics. Mahla said that these indigenously manufactured devices are connected in real-time to a database of criminals, suspects, and proclaimed offenders, enabling instant identification of individuals in a crowd.

In addition, multi-layered barricading and multi-level checking and frisking arrangements have been put in place. Mobile surveillance vehicles equipped with FRS technology will also be deployed at strategic locations. Surveillance has been enhanced by identifying thousands of rooftop points in New Delhi, North, and Central Delhi. Vigilance has also been increased in highly crowded areas such as markets, bus terminals, and railway stations. Measures such as verification of tenants and domestic helpers are also being undertaken.

What will happen on Republic Day 2026?

India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with a grand display of military might. The parade will feature marching contingents from all three armed forces, missiles, and indigenously developed weapon systems. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the chief guests at this year's Republic Day celebrations.

This year, all the ceremonial events associated with the Republic Day celebrations are being led by the Indian Air Force. The Air Force marching contingent will comprise 144 young air warriors, selected for their outstanding military discipline. The contingent will be led by Squadron Leader Jagdesh Kumar, while Squadron Leader Nikita Chaudhary, Flight Lieutenant Prakhar Chandrakar, and Flight Lieutenant Dinesh will serve as supernumerary officers.

Another major highlight of this year's parade will be the tableau of ex-servicemen based on the theme 'From War to Nation Building'. The front part of the tableau will display the Amar Jawan Jyoti and 3D models of historical war equipment, including T-55 and Vijayanta tanks, MiG-21, Mirage, and Jaguar aircraft, INS Mysore, and INS Rajput. It will also depict the 1965 and 1971 wars and the 1999 Kargil Operation Vijay. The rear part of the tableau will showcase the role of ex-servicemen in nation-building, highlighting their contributions to flood relief, medical services, education, and the 'Make in India' initiative.

According to the Ministry of Defence, a total of 30 tableaux will be displayed on Kartavya Path on January 26, 2026, including those from 17 states/union territories and 13 ministries/departments/services. Under the themes 'Mantra of Freedom: Vande Mataram' and 'Mantra of Prosperity: Atmanirbhar Bharat', these tableaux will commemorate 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and showcase the country's rich cultural diversity.