The country is gearing up to celebrate Independence Day on August 15. In view of the celebrations in the capital, Delhi Metro has made special arrangements for passengers. While metro services usually begin around 6:00 AM on regular days, on August 15, operations across all corridors will start two hours earlier—at 4:00 AM. This will facilitate the commute for those heading to the ceremony at the Red Fort. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the first trains will depart from terminal stations at 4:00 AM. Initially, the frequency of trains will be lower than on normal days; trains will run at 30-minute intervals between 4:00 AM and approximately 6:00 AM. From 6:00 AM onwards, operations will revert to standard timings and regular frequency. Consequently, the metro will be one of the most convenient options for those wishing to set out early for the Independence Day celebrations.
Easy access to Red Fort from these stations
The metro stations closest to the Red Fort—the venue for the Independence Day ceremony—are Lal Qila, Jama Masjid, and Delhi Gate. However, attendees are advised to factor in extra time for their commute, keeping security arrangements and potential station crowds in mind.
Special guests need not purchase tickets
Special arrangements have been made for guests invited by the Ministry of Defence and for those holding valid entry passes for the Independence Day ceremony. They will not need to purchase QR code tickets themselves. The DMRC has provided 1.30 lakh special pre-vended QR tickets to the Ministry of Defence. Additionally, invitees holding valid physical admit cards issued by the Ministry of Defence will be provided with special QR tickets at designated metro stations. These tickets will allow them to travel on the metro free of charge; the cost of this travel will be reimbursed to the DMRC by the Ministry of Defence.
Traffic restrictions around Red Fort
Vehicle movement around the Red Fort will also be restricted during the Independence Day celebrations due to security considerations. The movement of general traffic will be restricted on several roads—including Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, and Esplanade Road—until 10 AM on August 15. Additionally, the entry of commercial vehicles between Nizamuddin Khatta and Wazirabad Bridge will be prohibited from midnight on August 14 until 11 AM on August 15.
