As India celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav marking 75 years of India’s Independence, country’s pubcaster Doordarshan’s coverage of Republic day this year will not just be on a mega scale, but also full of unique features.

Special arrangements have been made in association with the Indian Air Force to showcase new elements of fly-past along with live coverage of different formations of large fleet of planes, which are 75 in number, to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence, the government said in a statement.

That 59 cameras and 160+ personnel would be deployed for the coverage of Republic Day celebrations this year don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the colossal arrangements made by Doordarshan on the entire stretch from Rashtrapati Bhawan to National War memorial at India Gate through Rajpath.

Preparations began as early as November 2021 to ensure 360 degree coverage of all aspects of every event on Republic Day.

DD has deployed 59 cameras all along Rajpath, right from Rashtrapati Bhawan dome to National Stadium dome. 33 cameras are installed on Rajpath, 16 cameras at National War Memorial, India Gate, National Stadium and 10 cameras at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

To give people a bird’s eye view of entire celebrations, two 360 degree cameras have been installed, one at Rajpath and the other on the top of India Gate. Visuals from both the 360 degree cameras will be continuously live-streamed through two separate streams on DD National YouTube channel.

To capture every minute movement of marching contingents and fly-past, DD has deployed five Jimmy Jibs, combination of 100X and 86XTally lenses, more than 15 wide angle lenses, Abacus lens, etc. One camera is installed on a 120 feet hydraulic crane in between National War Memorial and India Gate to provide breath-taking shots of the decorated Rajpath. Special remotely controlled PTZ cameras have been installed in Presidential Enclosure and on Rajpath, the statement elaborated.

In what makes it an integrated coverage, all major spots have been connected through dark fibre optical, satellite connectivity and backpack connectivity. To ensure impactful coverage from the ground, DD has built a makeshift production control room at Rajpath.

The HD visuals will be made more engaging through animated graphics and renowned commentators, who will be elaborating upon every detail as the event unfolds. To ensure inclusive coverage, DD News will broadcast the commentary also through sign language interpretation.

Republic Day live coverage will be broadcast on all channels of Doordarshan across the country, starting 9.15 am on January 26 till the end of events at Rajpath. Live coverage will also be available on DD National, DD News YouTube channels and on NewsOnAir app and the pubcaster’s website.