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New Delhi: As the nation prepares for the grand finale of the Republic Day festivities, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Delhi Traffic Police have issued a comprehensive security advisory for the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026. Commuters and motorists navigating Central Delhi on January 28 and 29 should brace for temporary station closures and significant traffic diversions.
Specific metro gates to remain closed
To facilitate stringent security arrangements, specific exit gates at two of the city's busiest interchanges will be shuttered for four hours. The exit gates facing Rafi Marg at the Udyog Bhawan and Central Secretariat metro stations will remain closed from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
"Due to security arrangements for the Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026, exit gates of Udyog Bhawan and Central Secretariat Metro Stations towards Rafi Marg will remain closed on 28th & 29th January 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly and follow station announcements. #DelhiMetro," the post read.
While the stations themselves remain operational, the DMRC has urged passengers to plan for extra travel time. Furthermore, enhanced security screenings are currently in effect across the entire Delhi Metro network and will continue through January 29.
Traffic diversions in effect at Vijay Chowk
The Delhi Traffic Police has announced a near-total lockdown of the area surrounding Vijay Chowk to accommodate the rehearsals and the final ceremony. According to the traffic police, the Vijay Chowk will be completely closed to general traffic.
They said that the movement will be prohibited on Kartavya Path (between Vijay Chowk and the Rafi Marg crossing), Raisina Road (beyond the Krishi Bhawan and Dara Shikoh Road roundabouts), and stretches leading from the Sunehri Masjid and Krishna Menon Marg roundabouts.
While the main restrictions align with the ceremony, rehearsals on January 28 will see curbs enforced from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The drivers have been encouraged to bypass the city centre using alternate corridors, including Ring Road, Ridge Road, Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung Road, and Rani Jhansi Road.
Beating Retreat ceremony 2026: Rehearsals and tickets
The Beating Retreat ceremony, held annually at Vijay Chowk on the evening of January 29, serves as the formal conclusion to Republic Day celebrations. This year’s schedule includes a Full Dress Rehearsal on January 27, followed by the primary event on the 29th.
How to attend
For those wishing to witness the spectacle, tickets are available through the official Aamantran website. Physical ticket booths have also been established at six locations across the capital.
Pro-tip for attendees
You must produce an original Photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, etc.) at the time of purchase. Crucially, the same ID used to buy the ticket must be carried to the venue for entry into any of the three main events (Republic Day, the Full Dress Rehearsal, or the main Beating Retreat Ceremony).
