Vizag under security cover ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis' visit

IPS officers on Tuesday gave instructions to police personnel on crowd management and other security measures at the AU Engineering College grounds in Visakhapatnam. | Photo credit: KR DEEPAK

Security in Visakhapatnam city was beefed up ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis' visit, with 5,000 police personnel deployed as part of the bandobust.

During his first visit to Andhra Pradesh after the NDA government took office in the state on January 8, Mr. Modi is expected to inaugurate the NTPC Green Hydrogen Center and lay the foundation stones of several projects including the South Coastal Railway (SCoR) zonal headquarters in Visakhapatnam. city.

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

The main venue of Mr. Modi's program at the Andhra University campus and other parts of the city on January 7 (Tuesday) witnessed an intense 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 MPs inspected the arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit.

Leaders of the BJP, TDP and JSP have planned a grand reception for Mr. Modi.

As many as 32 senior IPS officers supervise the security arrangements. On Tuesday, the officers were seen guiding police personnel on crowd management and traffic diversion plans. Eighteen additional SPs, 60 DSPs, 180 CIs and 400 SIs were also deployed.

Several training sessions were organized for police personnel and dog teams scanned the location and route of the road show. Ropes were seen inspecting the finalized routes for VIPs.

Home Minister V. Anitha said Andhra Pradesh was waiting for Mr. Modi's public meeting and roadshow.

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

A 500 meter roadshow has been planned from Venkatadri Vantillu to the entrance to the AU Engineering College ground. Executives and supporters of the BJP, TDP and JSP will participate in the roadshow.

The authorities installed huge floodlights for lighting and set up two-level 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 set aside on the AU College of Engineering grounds for individuals, supporters, personalities and leaders coming from various parts of the state.

Special buses were made available for the public to reach the meeting venue. Signs have been installed in various areas, directing buses to parking spaces and traffic diversions.

The Visakhapatnam district administration has been directed to make arrangements for food at the meeting venue.

According to police, the Prime Minister will arrive at the Vizag airport around 4:15 p.m. and reach Siripuram (Venkatadri Vantillu) around 4:45 p.m. for the roadshow.

At 5:30 p.m., Mr. Modi is expected to arrive at the DU engineering ground for the public meeting. He is scheduled to leave for the airport at 6:35 p.m. and then fly to Bhubaneswar around 7 p.m.

Drone-free zone

A five-kilometre radius from AU Engineering College has been declared a no-drone zone.

According to 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 roped in.

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