Ahead of the country’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Union government has approved the deployment of 53 additional companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in Delhi to strengthen security and maintain law and order, amid heightened threat perceptions.
The additional forces will be inducted in a phased manner and will be over and above the CAPF units already deployed in the national capital, including those positioned after the recent blast in Delhi.
As per reports, officials noted that a substantial CAPF presence is already in place and that more personnel may be moved to the city in the coming days, given the prevailing security sensitivity.
The sanctioned deployment draws personnel from the CRPF, BSF, SSB, CISF and ITBP. Together, the 53 companies amount to approximately 5,300–5,500 additional personnel, significantly reinforcing the Delhi Police’s security framework during the high-alert period.
Officials said the extra CAPF units will be tasked with securing Republic Day-linked events such as the Republic Day Parade, the Prime Minister’s NCC Rally, the Beating Retreat ceremony and Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyrdom Day.
Some companies are expected to remain deployed even after January 26 to provide security cover for post-Republic Day engagements and facilitate a calibrated drawdown of forces.
Government sources said the decision was taken following fresh intelligence inputs pointing to elevated threat levels around Republic Day events.
The security establishment has flagged risks from terror modules and lone-wolf actors, potential high-impact attacks targeting crowded public events, processions and iconic locations, as well as emerging threats such as drone-based surveillance or sabotage.
Cyber-enabled misinformation campaigns and attempts to incite unrest during national events have also been identified as potential challenges.
Intelligence assessments indicate that hostile elements may attempt to exploit large public gatherings, VIP movements and symbolic national events to trigger panic or disrupt celebrations.
In response, authorities are planning multi-layered security arrangements, area domination measures, intensified checks and close coordination between central forces and the Delhi Police.
Officials said the additional CAPF presence will enhance perimeter security, crowd management, anti-sabotage measures and quick reaction capabilities during key events, including the Republic Day parade and associated national functions, ensuring a robust security posture across the capital during the sensitive period.
