KOCHI: The police and the district administration have put in place elaborate security arrangements in the city ahead of the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday.
Over 2000 police and government officers will be deployed in different parts of the city to prevent any untoward incidents.
The President will arrive at the INS Garuda Naval Air Station here by 10.40 am and proceed to inaugurate the valedictory function of the diamond jubilee of the High Court by 11 am. The President will leave for Delhi at 12.30 pm from the Naval Air Station.
"The whole city is being monitored ahead of the President's visit. We will deploy over 1500 police officers exclusively to ensure law and order. The rehearsals were performed on Thursday and Friday," City Police Commissioner M P Dinesh said.
Only the invitees to the President’s programme will be allowed to enter the venue after due inspections. "They will be permitted to leave the venue only after the VVIP’s departure. No bags will be allowed at the venue," he said.
The police have arranged parking facility at the Marine Drive ground, Manappattiparambu and St Albert’s School ground.
Parking restrictions
Traffic along the High Court Road, Banerji Road, Abraham Madamakkal Road, Shanmugham Road, Park Avenue, DH Road, Jos Junction, MG Road, Thevara Ferry, Vathuruthy and BOT East Junction will be regulated between 10 am and 1 pm.
Vehicles proceeding to the city from West Kochi and those going towards West Kochi will have to take the Vyttila-Kundannur route to reach the BOT East Junction. No parking of vehicles will be permitted along the VVIP’s route. Street vendors have been barred from doing business along the stretch.
Instruction to public
People have been requested to keep out of the route through which the President’s cavalcade passes. The byroads opening to the VVIP’s route will be closed 20 minutes before the arrival of the cavalcade and no private vehicles will be allowed on the route during the period.