Traffic Alert: Major diversion plans for Republic Day Celebrations in Chennai

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 key traffic arrangements are as follows:

1.⁠ ⁠Main road closure:

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).

2.⁠ ⁠diversion routes for vehicles heading towards Brodway/ Parrys:

• 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.

3.⁠ ⁠Restriction on approaches to Kamarajar Salai:

• 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.

4.⁠ ⁠Other important arrangements:

• 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.