CHENNAI: In view of the state-level Republic Day Celebration and its rehearsal scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, at the War Memorial on Kamarajar Salai, the city traffic police have announced a comprehensive set of diversions and restrictions. Motorists are advised to plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with the police to ensure a smooth event.
The stretch of Kamarajar Salai from the Gandhi Statue to the War Memorial will be completely closed for all vehicles from 6 am onwards until the function concludes (tentatively by 9:30 am).
Commercial Vehicles from Adyar: Will be diverted at Greenways Point via R.K. Mutt Road, Thiruvenkadam Street, Devanathan Street, St. Mary's Road, and further through a designated route via Luz Avenue, Music Academy, TTK Road, Royapettah High Road, G.P. Road, and Anna Salai to reach Broadway.
Other Vehicles & MTC Buses from Adyar: Will be diverted at the Gandhi Statue towards R.K. Salai, Nilgiris Point, Music Academy, TTK Road, Gowdia Mutt Road, Royapettah High Road, and onto Anna Salai for Broadway.
Several key junctions will be blocked for traffic trying to enter Kamarajar Salai. Vehicles will be diverted as below:
From Dr. Natesan Road x Avvai Shanmugam Salai Junction: Diverted towards Ice House Junction.
From Dr. Besant Road x Dr. Kamarajar Salai Junction: Diverted at Ice House junction towards T.H. Road.
From Bharathi Salai x Bells Road Junction and Wallajah Road x Bells Road Junction: Diverted towards Bells Road.
Mylapore & Dr. Radhakrishnan Road Traffic: At Royapettah 'I' Point, MTC buses must turn left towards Nilgiris. Other vehicles may turn left or right as per their destination.
Anna Square Bus Terminus: Will be temporarily shifted to Chinthatripet Railway Station.
Vehicles from Parrys to Adyar: Will be diverted at R.B.I. Subway (North) towards Raja Annamalai Mandram, proceeding via Wallajah Point, Anna Salai, Royapettah, and Lloyds Road to R.K. Salai.
Flag Staff House Road from Wallajah Point towards the War Memorial will be closed.
The traffic police have urged the public to use the alternative routes suggested and to follow the instructions of personnel on duty.
Commuters should expect delays on the mentioned corridors and are requested to factor in additional travel time for their journeys on the morning of January 26.