TOPIC: Republic Day Security
BASIS: Standard Security Protocol
UPDATED: 16 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026: Early Office Closure Protocols for Delhi Govt Offices
North Block, South Block, and CGO Complex expected to follow standard “Exit by 13:00 Hrs” rule.
Standard Administrative Procedure:
- Full Dress Rehearsal (Jan 23): Offices in the security zone usually close by 13:00 Hrs.
- Security Sealing (Jan 25): Premises must be vacated/sealed by 13:00 Hrs for sanitization.
- Beating Retreat (Jan 29): Early closure at 12:00 Noon for Vijay Chowk facing buildings.
⚠️ MANDATORY COMPLIANCE
Anti-Sabotage Checks (ASC) Requirements:
- Exit Time: Employees are required to vacate rooms sharply at the designated time for sealing by security agencies.
- No Entry: Once sealed, re-entry is prohibited until the event concludes.
- Parking: All vehicles must be removed from the premises before closure.
Expected Closure Schedule
Based on the standing instructions for Republic Day Celebrations issued annually by the DoPT (JCA Section), the following timeline applies to buildings in the “Security Zone”:
| Date | Standard Closure Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Jan 2026 (Friday) | 13:00 Hrs | Full Dress Rehearsal |
| 25 Jan 2026 (Sunday) | 13:00 Hrs | Final Security Sealing |
| 26 Jan 2026 (Monday) | Closed until 19:30 | Republic Day Parade / At Home |
List of Affected Buildings
The restrictions traditionally apply to offices in the vicinity of Rajpath (Kartavya Path) and Rashtrapati Bhavan, including:
- Core Zone: South Block, North Block, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Surrounding: Rail Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan.
- Others: Sanchar Bhawan, Transport Bhawan, NITI Aayog, Reserve Bank of India (New Delhi).
- CGO Complex: Specific blocks as designated by Delhi Police.
✅ Who Works Normally?
These early closure orders typically do NOT apply to:
- Offices located outside the New Delhi District security cordon (e.g., R.K. Puram, East Delhi).
- Emergency services functioning 24×7.
- Officers holding valid “Republic Day Duty” passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get a compensatory off for Jan 25 (Sunday)?
No. Since Jan 25 is already a holiday (Sunday), the closure order applies only to staff rostered for emergency duties or cleaning, who must leave by 1 PM.
Are Metro stations near Central Secretariat closed?
Yes, DMRC usually restricts entry/exit at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan during rehearsal hours. Please check the DMRC Twitter handle for live updates.
Official Source: Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
Category: Establishment > Holidays & Office Closure.
Verification: Check for the latest OM on the Official DoPT Orders Page.