The city is abuzz with activities with large crowds arriving to attend a host of big events, including the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). With the demand for rooms and cabs going up, prices are also soaring. Despite the private bus strike which commenced on Monday, the roads are crowded with vehicles.
Security has been beefed up with the arrival of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and a host of ministers.
A large number of police vehicles, including those from other districts, line the roads to ensure security coverage.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is being held in the state for the first time and it may be mentioned that Keralites constitute one of the largest expatriate communities of the country.
The tourism season is also at its peak. The Biennale in different venues, Global Village exhibition, Infrastructure Conference and other events are attracting big participation.
The infrastructure conference which commenced on Sunday has around 1000 delegates. Prime hotels in the city are booked fully for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Cabs are also in demand. Cabs from other districts have been roped in to cater to the needs.
The district administration has taken measures to ensure the smooth functioning of the events.
“Booking is complete in all major hotels. Accommodation has been arranged for over 2000 delegates arriving for PBD. Cabs have also been organised. Four cab centres have been opened at the airport to cater to the needs of delegates. To monitor the cab operators, prepaid cab system has been arranged,” said
District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth.