Published Jan 25, 2026 | 11:10 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 25, 2026 | 11:11 AM
Central Railway Station, Chennai
Synopsis: As Chennai gears up to celebrate the 77th Republic Day, the city police have put in place extensive security arrangements to ensure a smooth and incident-free event.
As Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai gears up to celebrate the 77th Republic Day on Monday, 26 January, the city police have put in place extensive security arrangements to ensure a smooth and incident-free event.
Areas in and around Marina Beach, along with the routes taken by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister MK Stalin to the ceremonial venue, have been declared Red Zones.
As part of the security protocol, flying of drones, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), and other aerial objects has been strictly banned on January 25 and 26, except for authorised government use.
A robust five-tier security cover will be enforced along Kamarajar Road in Chennai, where the Governor will hoist the national flag near the Labour Statue. To manage the heightened security demands, around 7,500 police officers and personnel have been deployed across the city.
The arrangements are aimed at regulating crowd movement, securing VIP routes, and maintaining public safety during the celebrations.
Security has also been tightened at key locations, including the Chennai Airport, railway stations, bus terminals, beaches, business hubs, and places of worship under the Greater Chennai Police limits.
Lodges and hotels across the city have been inspected, and their owners and managers have been advised to alert the police immediately if they notice any suspicious activity.
In addition, intensified patrolling is underway throughout Chennai, with checkposts established at major entry points such as Madhavaram, Tiruvottiyur, Maduravoyal, Meenambakkam, Thoraipakkam and Neelangarai.
Anti-sabotage checks are being carried out at sensitive locations such as Meenambakkam Airport, Chennai Central and Egmore railway stations, and major bus terminals by specialised teams, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and Dog Squad, according to an official release.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Veni EN.)
