Cricket star Sachin Tendulkar has excused himself from the torch relay in which actors Aamir Khan , Saif Ali Khan and Sagarika Ghatge besides sportspersons like P T Usha and Anju Bobby George will participate amid tight security.

Leaving nothing to chance in view of intensified protests by Tibetans, government has decided to put in place a three-layered security ring for the 2.3 km-run on the Rajpath which will be sealed for six hours from one pm.

Offices flanking the Rajpath have been ordered to keep the windows closed and employees working there asked to remain indoors during the run.

Keen to avoid protests like Tuesday's parallel torch relay by Tibetans on the designated route for the Olympic flame run, security forces are extra vigilant.

After being relayed through 21 countries, the torch will be carried into the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics in August.

This year, the relay runs into 130 days and the Olympic games organising committee has selected "journey of harmony" as the theme of the relay with a slogan "light the passion, share the dream".

This is the fourth time that New Delhi has played host to the Olympic torch relay.