In the 75th year of Independence, the Republic Day parade would showcase the old and the new era of the Indian Army in terms of uniforms and weapons. Used while the Beating Retreat ceremony would see the inclusion of a laser mapping and drone show.
In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the number of troops in marching contingents in the Republic Day parade reduced from 144 to 96, said Major General Alok Kakkar on Sunday.
During a press conference in Delhi, the officer who is the Chief of Staff of Delhi Area and the second-in-command of the parade said that in order to be able to follow COVID norms. The number of troops in marching contingents in the parade has been reduced from 144 earlier to 96. They march in 12 rows and eight columns.
Some other changes in the parade include shortening of the parade for the marching contingents to National Stadium which earlier used to conclude at Red Fort.
“The Republic Day parade which starts from Raisina Hills and goes through Rajpath, India Gate till Red Fort would now only go up to the National Stadium in view of COVID-19 this time. Only tableaux will to up till Red Fort,” he said.
The Republic Day parade will not start at the scheduled time of 10 am but with a 30-minute delay.
“The parade will commence at 10.30 am instead,” the Major Gen said.
Major Gen Kakkar said that a total of 21 tableaus shown in the parade.