Republic Day Celebrations. File Photo
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Preparations are in full swing for the Republic Day celebrations at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan will unfurl the national flag on the occasion, while 12 tableaux representing various government departments will be presented this year.
Tableaux from departments including Art, Culture and Tourism, Transport, Bihar State Legal Services Authority, JEEViKA Rural Development, Energy, Cooperation, Fire Services and Agriculture will be showcased on January 26. In addition, tableaux from the Education, Industries and Prohibition departments will also be part of the celebrations.
Highlighting the state government’s development initiatives, tableaux featuring JEEViKA Didis will reflect ongoing efforts to provide sustainable livelihoods to women across Bihar. The Energy Department’s tableau will showcase the state’s continuous power supply system, including the provision of 125 units of free electricity to consumers. Through these presentations, the government’s achievements will be displayed before thousands of spectators expected to attend the event.
Ahead of the grand 2026 celebrations, the district administration appears fully prepared. Patna District Magistrate Dr Tyagarajan SM conducted a detailed inspection of Gandhi Maidan and held a review meeting with officials of concerned departments.
During the inspection, the District Magistrate emphasised that the Republic Day programme is a “fixed time–fixed venue” event, and negligence at any level will not be tolerated. He underlined that the ceremony requires coordinated teamwork, directing all departments to discharge their responsibilities with complete mutual coordination.
The 77th Republic Day celebrations will be organised with full grandeur, dignity and in accordance with prescribed standards. All departments have been instructed to keep their teams continuously active and remain alert, responsive and fully committed to ensuring an error-free event.
From an administrative standpoint, Gandhi Maidan has been divided into four sectors, with additional sub-sectors created as required. Responsibility for each sector has been assigned to officers of the rank of Additional District Magistrate and Additional Superintendent of Police, under whose supervision all arrangements are being expedited.
The District Magistrate informed that a multi-member sub-committee, headed by the Deputy Development Commissioner, is functioning round-the-clock to monitor preparations. The committee includes engineers and officials from the Building Construction Department, Public Health Engineering Department, Municipal Corporation, Shri Krishna Memorial Development Committee and other concerned departments, who are conducting regular inspections and undertaking corrective measures wherever necessary.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place. A temporary police station and a temporary control room will be established at Gandhi Maidan on Republic Day. A total of 18 watchtowers—eight permanent and ten temporary—have been installed to maintain constant surveillance.
With support from Patna Smart City Limited, as many as 128 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around Gandhi Maidan. These include 61 fixed cameras, 22 pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras and 45 analytic cameras. Of these, 49 cameras cover the outer perimeter, while 79 have been installed inside the ground. All cameras will be monitored through the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) of Patna Smart City.
Special arrangements have also been made for lighting. According to the District Magistrate, the area will be illuminated through 34 lighting towers comprising 136 LED metal lights, 229 pole lights and 15 high-mast lights. Additional pathway and decorative lighting has also been ensured.
The Municipal Corporation, Building Construction Department and Electricity Department have been directed to work in close coordination to maintain uninterrupted lighting arrangements.
Clear guidelines have been issued regarding public entry. On January 26, 2026, entry for the general public will begin at 7 am. Gates numbered 5, 6 and 7 have been earmarked for spectators. People arriving from JP Ganga Path, Ashok Rajpath, Golghar, Mandiri, Buddha Colony and nearby areas may enter through Gates 5 and 6, while those coming from Bari Path, Nala Road, Thakurbari, Bakarganj, Exhibition Road, Fraser Road and Chhajjubagh will use Gate 7. Gate number 9 has been designated for media personnel.
Confirming stringent security measures, Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma said that magistrates and police forces have been deployed at key locations, along with necessary traffic diversions, to ensure that the Republic Day celebrations are conducted peacefully and successfully.
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