Indian intelligence agencies have issued a nationwide alert warning that Khalistani and Bangladesh-based extremist groups may target Delhi and other major cities ahead of Republic Day celebrations on 26 January. Airports, railway stations and metro networks have been told to step up pat-downs, baggage scans and random ID checks, with the strongest measures concentrated around the capital’s ceremonial Kartavya Path.
For travellers, the heightened posture is already visible: additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been deployed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, and road checkpoints along the Delhi–Gurugram expressway are causing 20- to 30-minute delays during peak hours. Airlines have issued travel advisories requesting passengers to arrive at least three hours before domestic departures and four hours for international flights until 27 January.
![Republic Day Security Alert Could Tighten Screening for Domestic and Foreign Travellers]()
For travellers who may need to change their plans or extend a stay because of these security measures, VisaHQ can help cut through red tape quickly. The firm’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) allows users to file expedited e-visa applications, request extensions, and track approvals in real time—services that can prove invaluable if tightened screening or transport delays upset original itineraries.
Corporate security teams are revisiting movement protocols for VIP transferees and expatriates scheduled to enter or exit India in the coming week. Some firms are rescheduling non-essential travel to avoid possible traffic snarls and last-minute road closures linked to parade rehearsals. Mobility advisers note that the alert does not constitute a travel ban but failing to budget extra transit time could result in missed flights and visa overstay complications.
Authorities have emphasised that the alert is precautionary; nonetheless, the convergence of security drills and winter fog could compound disruption at Delhi airport, historically the country’s busiest hub for inbound assignees.
For travellers, the heightened posture is already visible: additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have been deployed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, and road checkpoints along the Delhi–Gurugram expressway are causing 20- to 30-minute delays during peak hours. Airlines have issued travel advisories requesting passengers to arrive at least three hours before domestic departures and four hours for international flights until 27 January.
For travellers who may need to change their plans or extend a stay because of these security measures, VisaHQ can help cut through red tape quickly. The firm’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) allows users to file expedited e-visa applications, request extensions, and track approvals in real time—services that can prove invaluable if tightened screening or transport delays upset original itineraries.
Corporate security teams are revisiting movement protocols for VIP transferees and expatriates scheduled to enter or exit India in the coming week. Some firms are rescheduling non-essential travel to avoid possible traffic snarls and last-minute road closures linked to parade rehearsals. Mobility advisers note that the alert does not constitute a travel ban but failing to budget extra transit time could result in missed flights and visa overstay complications.
Authorities have emphasised that the alert is precautionary; nonetheless, the convergence of security drills and winter fog could compound disruption at Delhi airport, historically the country’s busiest hub for inbound assignees.
