Delhi Metro: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has officially announced a revised train schedule for Republic Day 2026, aiming to ensure smooth, safe, and hassle-free travel for thousands of citizens expected to attend the national celebrations in the heart of the capital. The special arrangement has been planned in view of the Republic Day parade and related events at Kartavya Path, which traditionally attract massive crowds from across Delhi and nearby regions. Authorities believe that encouraging public transport during early hours will significantly reduce road congestion and improve overall travel efficiency on this important national occasion.
To accommodate the expected surge in passenger movement, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has decided to begin metro services much earlier than usual on Monday, January 26, 2026. According to the updated timetable, train operations on all metro lines will start at 3:00 am. This early start is specifically designed to cater to people travelling towards central Delhi to witness the Republic Day parade and associated ceremonial activities.
Metro trains will operate at a frequency of every 15 minutes from 3:00 am to 6:00 am. After 6:00 am, regular weekday schedules will resume across the entire network. This phased approach is expected to manage the initial rush efficiently while maintaining normal services for the rest of the day.
Metro officials have advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance and make use of the early morning services to avoid last-minute inconvenience. With a significant number of visitors expected to arrive well before sunrise, the staggered frequency during early hours is aimed at controlling passenger flow and preventing overcrowding at stations and inside trains.
The metro authority has emphasized that using public transport remains the safest and most efficient option on Republic Day, especially considering traffic restrictions, road closures, and heightened security arrangements across central Delhi. Early travel using the metro network is expected to offer a stress-free experience for families, tourists, and daily commuters alike.
Explaining the rationale behind the early operations, the Principal Executive Director for Corporate Communications stated that the decision reflects the spirit, pride, and national importance of Republic Day celebrations. He noted that running trains at regular intervals during early hours would help ensure comfortable travel for passengers while maintaining operational efficiency.
The official further explained that once the initial rush subsides after 6:00 am, metro services will function as per the standard timetable. This means commuters travelling for work, leisure, or other purposes throughout the day will experience normal connectivity across all metro corridors without disruption.
In addition to early train services, the metro authority confirmed that parking facilities at metro stations across Delhi will remain operational throughout Republic Day. This measure is expected to provide added convenience to commuters who plan to drive to their nearest station and continue their journey by metro. The availability of parking is particularly beneficial for those coming from suburban areas or neighboring towns.
Authorities have encouraged passengers to use park-and-ride facilities wherever possible, as this approach helps reduce vehicular congestion near high-security zones and central event areas.
While most metro services will remain fully functional, the corporation clarified that entry and exit at six key metro stations will remain closed due to security reasons. These stations will be inaccessible from 3:00 am until the conclusion of the Republic Day programme. The affected stations include Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Lal Quila, Jama Masjid, Delhi Gate, and ITO.
Passengers have been advised to plan alternative routes and use nearby stations to reach their destinations. Announcements, signage, and staff assistance will be available to guide commuters throughout the day.
Overall, the revised Republic Day metro schedule reflects a strong focus on public safety, crowd management, and efficient urban mobility. By starting operations early and maintaining steady service frequency, the metro authority aims to support national celebrations while ensuring that daily life in the city continues smoothly.
Commuters are encouraged to stay updated through official advisories and allow extra travel time on Republic Day to account for security checks and possible route changes.
