Kochi is set to steal national and international attention with a number of events scheduled to take place in the coming days, including the One-Day International between India and England on January 15.
This week will see the presence of top leaders like the Prime Minister and the President at various functions in the city. No wonder, the city police and the district administration are on their toes to ensure foolproof security for the VVIPs and VIPs.
Among the high-profile events are the stone- laying of BPCL Kochi Refinery expansion on Monday and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebration on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone for the refinery expansion and inaugurate the PBD function. President Pranab Mukherjee will be the guest of honour at the PBD function on Wednesday.
The President will also inaugurate the commercial complex of Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
A high-level team from Canada, including the mayor of Brampton city, and Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag will also attend the PBD function.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the 40th convention of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Association (IFAWPCA), organised by the Builders’ Association of India. The convention will be held from Sunday to Wednesday.
Kochi City Police Commissioner K G James said additional cops from other districts would be deployed to ensure total security and manning of traffic in the city.