Country's military might, cultural heritage to be showcased on 69th R-Day

For the first time, as many as 10 Heads of State and Governments from ASEAN countries will be the guests of honour at the Republic Day parade.

President Ram Nath Kovind will hoist the National flag at the historic Rajpath followed by the National Anthem played with a 21 gun salute.

The main function will be held at Rajpath and the ceremonial parade will commence from Vijay Chowk and proceed towards the Red Fort Grounds through Rajpath, India Gate, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Marg.

Chief Guests from the 10 ASEAN nations (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei) will witness the Parade.

There will be a total 23 tableaux at the Republic Day parade, with participation of 14 states/Union Territories and nine Central Ministries.

For the first time in the history of Indian broadcasting, the All India Radio, India's national public service broadcaster will showcase its tableu during the Republic day parade, showcasing the journey of AIR since its inception and charting its contributions in post-Independent India.

For the Republic Day, multiple layers of unprecedented security mechanism, including 14,000 security personnel, have been placed in the national capital's India Gate and adjoining areas.

Out of the total security force, 7,175 personnel - of whom 600 are women - have been provided to New Delhi district from other districts, 63 companies of paramilitary forces including 6,000 personnel, 300 Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), 200 NSG and 150 Delhi Police commandos will be on duty.

As part of security arrangements, Delhi Metro train services will be partially curtailed at select Metro stations - Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Udyog Bhawan, Lok Kalyan Marg, Mandi House and Pragati Maidan.

According to a DMRC spokesperson, entry and exit at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan Metro stations will remain closed from 0600 hrs up to 12:00 hrs on Friday.

At Patel Chowk and Lok Kalyan Marg Metro stations, entry and exit will remain closed from 08:45 hrs to 12:00 hrs.