Bengaluru: 2,000 e-passes released for Republic Day Parade; Early entry advised

Ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, senior officials held a joint press conference at Manekshaw Parade Ground, outlining security measures, traffic restrictions, parade details, and public entry guidelines.

As part of the final preparations for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, a joint press conference was held on Friday at the Manekshaw Parade Ground, which falls under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits. The briefing was chaired by GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao.

The press meet was attended by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh and Bengaluru Urban District Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh G. The officials reviewed the readiness of departments ahead of the grand Republic Day programme scheduled for Monday.

Officials confirmed that the Governor of Karnataka has been formally invited and will attend the celebrations. The Governor will unfurl the national flag at 9.00 am, receive the guard of honour and deliver the Republic Day address to the people of the state.

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The programme will begin at 8.58 am, and the public has been advised to arrive well in advance. Authorities have clearly stated that all attendees must be inside the venue before 8.00 am, as security checks after that may be difficult. Entry will be strictly regulated.

A total of 516 participants will take part in the parade, while nearly 2,000 police personnel will be deployed for security and law enforcement. This year’s parade will feature contingents from the Army, Air Force, CRPF (including women units), Tamil Nadu Police, ASF, NCC, Scouts and Guides, Seva Dal, and school children. In all, around 1,100 participants will march in 37 contingents, including band units.

Additionally, about 1,400 school children will participate in two cultural programmes organised by the police department.

Security arrangements at the ground include the installation of 100 CCTV cameras, four baggage scanners, and a comprehensive traffic management system. Adequate ambulances, medical and non-medical staff have been deployed to respond to any emergencies. Several city hospitals have kept beds reserved as a precaution.

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For public entry, 2,000 e-passes have been made available online through the Seva Sindhu website. Attendees must carry the invitation pass along with a valid identity card at the entry gate.

Traffic restrictions will be enforced on January 26 from 8.30 am to 10.30 am. Movement will be restricted on Cubbon Road between BRV Junction and Kamaraj Road Junction in both directions. No-parking zones will be enforced on MG Road from Anil Kumble Circle to Queen’s Circle, Cubbon Road, CTO Circle, KR Road junction, Central Street up to Shivajinagar Bus Stand, and surrounding areas due to stage setup, barricading and seating arrangements.

Authorities have urged the public to cooperate to ensure smooth and safe Republic Day celebrations.