Delhi Metro to start services early on Republic Day: All you need to know about timings and parking details

AS republic of india gears up to fete its 77th Republic daytime, the new delhi subway system has announced special timings to help commuters reach the celebration spots on time.All metro lines will begin services at 3 AM on Monday, January 26, ensuring smooth travel for citizens heading to Kartavya Path, according to a press release issued by DMRC on Friday.Also read| Republic Day 2026: This year's theme to 77th Republic Day chief guests and moreChanges in metro timings:Metro trains will run every 15 minutes from 3 AM to 6 AM.After 6 AM, the regular timetable will resume.Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance to avoid last-minute rush.Parking facilitiesFor those driving to metro stations:All parking facilities will remain operational throughout the day.Commuters can safely park their vehicles and continue their journey by metro without any hassle.Key Takeaways for CommutersStart your journey early to avoid congestion.Trains will operate at 15-minute intervals until 6 AM.Regular metro timings will resume post 6 AM.Parking will be available at all metro stations for convenience.Republic Day 2026 parade timingsThe ceremony will begin at 9:30 AM with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The parade will commence at 10:30 AM.Also read| Republic Day 2026: Do you hoist or unfurl National Flag on this day? Know the difference between the twoRepublic Day 2026 themeThe central theme for Republic Day 2026 is '150 Years of Vande Mataram', celebrating the legacy of the song composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.The government has integrated this theme into every aspect of this year's Republic Day parade. A series of paintings by artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra, from 1923, illustrating the verses of the song, will be displayed as 'view-cutters' along the parade route.The 30 tableaux rolling down Kartavya Path will primarily focus on two sub-themes: 'Swatantrata ka mantr – Vande Mataram (Mantra of Freedom)' and 'Samriddhi ka mantr – Atmanirbhar Bharat (Mantra of Prosperity)'. The creative team comprises MM Keeravani as music director, Subhash Sehgal as lyricist, Anupam Kher as narrator, and Santosh Nair as choreographer, under the overall supervision and direction of Dr Sandhya Purecha. Moreover, pan-India band performances by the Tri-Services and CAPFs are being organised, with special emphasis on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's ancestral home in West Bengal.