Chennai Traffic Police Announce Diversions Around Fort St George

The Greater Chennai Traffic Police has announced traffic diversions and parking arrangements around Fort St George ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026. The restrictions will be in force from 6 am until the flag-hoisting ceremony concludes, with separate arrangements for vehicles carrying official passes, media personnel and members of the public.

Several roads surrounding the venue will be closed or regulated during the security restrictions. Kamarajar Salai, from the Labour Statue to the RBI Subway North on Rajaji Salai, and Flag Staff Road will remain closed to general vehicular traffic. Vehicles carrying red and purple passes that arrive before 8.10 am will be permitted to enter the Secretariat through Rajaji Salai. Those arriving after 8.10 am will not be allowed to enter the war memorial and will instead be diverted through Flag Staff Road, Muthusamy Road and Parrys Corner towards the PWD parking facility.

Blue and pink pass holders will also be directed along designated routes to reach the PWD parking area. Vehicles belonging to press reporters have been assigned parking at the PWD lot. If the PWD facility reaches capacity, additional vehicles will be diverted towards the Island Grounds 6th Gate, using the RBI Subway and NSC Bose Road.

Also Read: Traffic Restrictions Near Red Fort From 4 AM to 10 AM on August 13

Motorists without official passes will be permitted to travel only up to the Labour Statue. From there, they will be diverted through Wallajah Salai and Anna Salai towards the parking facility at Island Grounds 9th Gate. If the facility becomes full, motorists will be asked to get down near the Labour Statue and use alternative designated parking locations.

The alternative parking facilities include the outgoing side of Anna Salai, Omandurar Hospital, Sivanandha Salai, Anna Swimming Pool and the MRTS parking area. Traffic personnel will be deployed along the affected routes to guide motorists and enforce the restrictions during the celebrations.

The restrictions are expected to affect traffic movement across central Chennai during the Independence Day programme. The Greater Chennai Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance, allow additional travel time and strictly follow diversion routes, parking instructions and directions from traffic personnel to ensure smoother movement around Fort St George.

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