Make way small cars and mini-buses, the big guns are here. Anti-tank guided missiles with large BMP-II Armoured Personnel Carriers, T-72 Tanks, 105mm sealed gun and IGLA Air Defence Missile will roll down Red Road.
Riding a wave of patriotism in the wake of 26/11, Republic Day will be all about the might of the armed forces — from machinery (led by the Bofors 155mm sealed gun) to men (led by the Gorkha Regiment).
The average R-Day turnout in the past few years has been 8,000-10,000. This time, weather permitting, the figure could be closer to the 15,000 mark, felt the information and cultural affairs department.
“Around 4,000 passes have been distributed for the show and given the heightened interest in national security following the Mumbai attacks, another 10,000 could turn up,” said an official.
Anticipating a larger crowd this time, police have urged people not to carry bags to the parade venue. “There will be strict security checks and if people turn up with bags, it will cause a delay,” said Pradip Chatterjee, the joint commissioner (administration).
Card-holders can take a gallery seat along Red Road while others must find a place along the Brigade Parade Ground — between JK Island and Victoria Memorial — near the South Gate of Raj Bhavan (Eden Gardens end), behind the Cenotaph near Mohun Bagan ground and the road leading to East Bengal ground.
A 4,000-strong police force will create “channels” to ensure smooth flow of the crowd from all directions to Brigade Parade Ground.
For a sneak peek of R-Day, there’s a dress rehearsal on Red Road from 9am on Saturday.
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