Starting Friday, in the run-up to Republic Day celebrations, all construction-related activity around Kartavya Path under the Central Vista project has been halted due to heightened security measures, officials aware of the matter said, adding that the directions to this effect were issued by the defence ministry last week.
The defence ministry’s security division has instructed that no labour tokens be issued to construction workers at sensitive locations in the New Delhi area where work is underway, according to an internal circular seen by Hindustan Times. All construction sites in and around the Central Vista will remain sealed until the evening of January 26, the circular said.
“The change in the modus operandi of terrorists, who are now resorting to sneaking and stand-off attacks, gives us all the more reason to be highly alert and security conscious for the successful and smooth celebrations,” the defence ministry circular said, while listing a series of security measures, including a temporary ban on issuing labour tokens for any renovation, maintenance, or construction work related to the Central Vista project.
Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said several unprecedented security measures have been put in place this year across the New Delhi area and around the Red Fort, particularly in view of the car blast reported near the Red Fort last November.
In preparation for the 77th Republic Day tomorrow (January 26, 2026), New Delhi has been turned into a virtual fortress. The heightened security measures are particularly intense following the deadly car blast near the Red Fort last November.
Here are the key details regarding the shutdown and security grid:
1. Central Vista Work Halted
All construction activity related to the Central Vista redevelopment project around Kartavya Path was ordered to a halt starting Friday, January 23.
Sealing of Sites: All sites and labor camps in the vicinity have been sealed and will remain so until the evening of January 26.
Labor Restrictions: The Ministry of Defence issued an internal circular stating that no new "labor tokens" (entry passes) would be issued to workers during this period to prevent any unauthorized personnel from being in the high-security zone.
2. Snipers and High-Rise Surveillance
Security agencies have deployed an unprecedented number of sharpshooters across the capital:
Doubled Strength: The number of snipers—primarily from the National Security Guard (NSG)—has been doubled compared to previous years.
Expanded Coverage: Snipers are now stationed on almost every high-rise building within a certain radius of the parade route. This includes buildings like the National Museum, which typically weren't manned in the past because they don't sit directly on the route but offer clear line-of-sight views.
Anti-Drone Teams: Every major building along the route is also equipped with anti-drone technology to monitor and intercept any unauthorized aerial movement.
3. "Operation 26-26" and High Alert
The intelligence community is currently on high alert for a suspected cross-border conspiracy codenamed "Operation 26-26."
Terrorist Posters: For the first time, Delhi Police have included a local Al-Qaeda operative, Mohammed Rehan, on their "wanted" posters displayed at metro stations and markets.
AI Surveillance: Security personnel are using AI smart glasses and facial recognition systems integrated with over 1,000 CCTV cameras to spot known suspects in real-time.
Traffic and Offices: Around 75 government and private offices in New Delhi will remain closed through the holiday, and extensive traffic diversions are in place.
Helpful Information for Attendees
If you are attending the parade, remember that only mobile phones are permitted inside. All other electronic items (including power banks, headphones, and cameras), bags, food, and water bottles are strictly prohibited.
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