Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in Delhi this morning as the nation celebrates its 68th Independence Day. Security has been tightened in the national capital particularly around the Red Fort area and elaborate ground-to-air security and traffic arrangements have been made.

About ten thousand security personnel from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces will keep a tight vigil. Besides, around five thousand personnel from the Special Cell and Security wing of the Delhi Police will be pressed into service for security. Additional manpower from CISF and Delhi Police have been deployed at important public installations like Delhi Metro and IGI Airport snf in crowded areas like market places, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and other establishments of strategic importance.

All India Radio will broadcast running commentary on the flag hoisting ceremony till 0810 a.m.