In preparation for India’s 77th Republic Day on January 26, the Tamil Nadu government has stepped up security across the state with more than 1 lakh police personnel deployed to ensure peaceful and incident‑free celebrations.
The deployment covers major public venues, transport hubs, crowded areas and coastal stretches, with enhanced vigilance ordered by senior police officials.
In Chennai, a significant contingent of around 16,000 police personnel has been positioned under the direction of the City Police Commissioner to oversee key event locations such as Marina Beach and Kamarajar Salai, where the flag‑hoisting ceremony and parade are scheduled, along with other civic and cultural functions. Security forces are focused on crowd control, traffic management and proactive patrolling to prevent any untoward incident in high‑footfall areas.
Chennai International Airport has implemented a stringent multi‑layered security protocol ahead of Republic Day. A five‑tier security system is currently in place, effective until January 30, with plans to escalate to seven tiers during the peak period around January 24–26. Measures include vehicle checks at entry points, sniffer dog inspections, bomb disposal squad scans, thorough passenger screening including secondary checks at boarding gates, and close monitoring of car parks and baggage areas. Commuters have been advised to arrive well before departure times due to enhanced security procedures.
The comprehensive security arrangements reflect authorities’ commitment to safeguarding public celebrations and travel, ensuring that Republic Day festivities proceed smoothly across Tamil Nadu.