IPS officers instructing police personnel about crowd management and other security arrangements at AU Engineering College grounds in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK

Vizag comes under security blanket ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit

5,000 police personnel deployed; 32 senior IPS officers are supervising security arrangements; around 2 lakh people are expected to attend public meeting

by · The Hindu

Security in Visakhapatnam city has been tightened ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, with 5,000 police personnel deployed as part of the bandobust.

During his maiden visit to Andhra Pradesh after the NDA government assumed office in the State on January 8, Mr. Modi is scheduled to inaugurate NTPC’s Green Hydrogen Hub and lay foundation stones for several projects including the South Coastal Railway (SCoR) Zone’s headquarters in Visakhapatnam city.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public meeting at Andhra University Engineering College grounds at Maddilapalem and participate in a road show between Siripuram and China Waltair, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.

The main venue for Mr. Modi programme on the Andhra University campus and the other areas in the city on January 7 (Tuesday) witnessed busy movement of VIPs.

A steady stream of people’s representatives including BJP State president Daggubati Purandeswari, Home Minister V. Anitha, TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao, Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar and several MLAs inspected the arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit.

The leaders of BJP, TDP and JSP have planned a grand reception for Mr. Modi.

As many as 32 senior IPS officers are supervising the security arrangements. On Tuesday, the officers were seen guiding the police personnel about crowd management and traffic diversion plans. Eighteen Additional SPs, 60 DSPs, 180 CIs and 400 SIs have also been deployed.

Several training sessions were organised for the police personnel and dog squads scanned the venue and the road show route. Rope parties were seen inspecting the routes finalised for the VIPs.

Home Minister V. Anitha said that Andhra Pradesh was awaiting for the public meeting and roadshow of Mr. Modi.

All arrangements have been made for the programme, with a focus on crowd and traffic management, she said.

A 500-metre roadshow has been planned between Venkatadri Vantillu to entrance of AU Engineering College Grounds. Cadres and sympathisers of the BJP, TDP and JSP will take part in the roadshow.

The authorities have set up huge focus lights for illumination and arranged two-layer barricades. A special BJP campaign vehicle has been prepared for the roadshow. Senior IPS officers and senior police officers will monitor the roadshow.

Separate designated areas have been earmarked at the AU Engineering College grounds for the people, supporters, VIPs and leaders coming from various parts of the State.

Special buses have been arranged for the public to reach the meeting venue. Sign boards have been put up at various areas, directing the buses about parking spaces and traffic diversions.

The Visakhapatnam district administration has been entrusted with making arrangements for food at the meeting venue.

According to police, the Prime Minister will be arriving at Vizag airport at around 4.15 p.m. and reach Siripuram (Venkatadri Vantillu) at around 4.45 p.m. for the roadshow.

At 5.30 p.m., Mr, Modi is expected to arrive at the AU Engineering ground for the public meeting. He is scheduled to leave for the airport at 6.35 p.m. and then fly to Bhubaneswar at around 7 p.m.

‘No-drone’ zone

A five-km radius of AU Engineering College has been declared ‘no-drone’ zone.

As per the officials, around 2 lakh people are expected to attend the public meeting for which over 1,300 buses, 7,500 auto-rickshaws, 300 mini vans and other vehicles have been engaged.

Parking spaces have been allotted. Traffic restrictions may come into effect in several stretches surrounding China Waltair, Siripuram and Maddilapalem from Wednesday morning.

Published - January 07, 2025 11:29 pm IST