Free metro & no more VVIPs: First row in Republic Day parade '23 now reserved for labours, rickshaw pullers, vendors

NEWS HUNGAMA Kolkata, January 20, 2023, News Hungama The Nation will celebrate its 74th Republic Day on January 26. The celebrations include the traditional march past at Kartavya Path comprising a grand parade by the contingents of the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces; tableaux display by the States and Central Ministries/Departments; cultural performances by children; acrobatic motorcycle rides and a fly-past, besides Beating the Retreat ceremony at the Vijay Chowk and PM's NCC rally. Booking for online tickets to watch the grand ceremony has already begun. This year, invitees to the celebrations and those possessing digital tickets for seats at the venue will be able to avail 'free metro ride'. However, these rides will be free for only two stations near Raisina Hill on January 26 -- Udyog Bhawan and Central Secretariat metro stations. Republic Day e-tickets booked online will have a QR code and these tickets can be shown at metro stations to get a token for a free ride to reach the stations near the venue. The Republic Day parade 2023 will include special official invitees, from rickshaw pullers to vegetable vendors, thus truly representing the spirit of a Republic nation. As per media reports, Shramjeevis (workers who helped build the Central Vista), their families, maintenance workers of Kartavya Path, and other members of the community such as rickshaw pullers, small grocers and vegetable vendors will be seated in front of the main dais during the parade. The theme of this year's celebrations is the "participation of the common people" in all R-Day events. From one lakh seats allowed for the public in pre-COVID times, the number of seats has been cut down to 45,000. The number of seats for VIPs has been cut down significantly., according to the Ministry of Defence. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said in November. A 120-member military contingent from Egypt will also be taking part in the celebrations, officials said.