Republic Day: Delhi turns into a fortress with 30,000 cops, AI eyes and rooftop snipers

As New Delhi celebrates India's 77th Republic Day, the national capital has been fortified with extensive security cover. The Delhi Police has rolled out a tightly coordinated, multi-tiered deployment across the city with thousands of personnel, barricades, additional CCTV coverage, AI-enbaled equipment, and more.

Over 30,000 police personnel have been pressed into service throughout the city to ensure the smooth conduct of the event and to prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, the New Delhi district, which includes the Republic Day parade route and other sensitive locations, has emerged as the core focus of security arrangements. Nearly 10,000 police personnel have been deployed in this zone alone, supported by barricades, pickets and strict access control measures at all designated entry points.


Also Read | Republic Day 2026 Chief Guest List: Top world leaders invited, full list inside

The security grid also includes multiple layers of barricading, repeated checks and frisking, and stringent movement controls along and around the parade route.

Additional Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahala said that detailed briefings, route-wise deployment plans and contingency measures have been communicated to all personnel. “Every aspect of security has been rehearsed in advance, and standard operating procedures are firmly in place."

Moreover, sniper teams have been positioned on rooftops across New Delhi, North Delhi and Central Delhi to provide aerial surveillance and quick reaction capability.

Senior officers, including deputy commissioners of police, have conducted route inspections and anti-sabotage checks, while vigilance has been intensified in crowded locations such as markets, metro stations, railway stations and bus terminals.

Verification drives covering tenants and domestic help are also underway as part of the broader security exercise.

Also Read | Republic Day 2026 in India: 77th or 78th? Everything you need to know

To ensure seamless coordination, Delhi Police has held meetings with law enforcement agencies from neighbouring states to strengthen intelligence sharing and preparedness. Officials have urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel, follow all guidelines and avoid carrying prohibited items.

Spectators attending the parade have also been advised to familiarise themselves with their designated seating enclosures, entry points and approach routes to prevent congestion and delays

Tech-driven surveillance

Surveillance has further been significantly enhanced with the installation of more than 3,000 CCTV cameras across the New Delhi area, including the parade route and surrounding localities.

These cameras have been equipped with advanced video analytics and facial recognition capabilities. Live footage from the CCTVs is being monitored round-the-clock from over 30 control rooms, staffed by nearly 150 trained personnel.

Finally, police teams on the ground are also using AI-enabled smart glasses linked to facial recognition systems and criminal databases.

Officials said these devices allow real-time identification of suspects, proclaimed offenders and other persons of interest in crowded areas, enabling swift response when required.

In addition, mobile surveillance vehicles fitted with facial recognition technology have been stationed at key points to strengthen monitoring and ensure rapid mobility.

(With PTI inputs)