Tight security, traffic curbs in Kolkata for BJP govt swearing-in ceremony on Saturday

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Kolkata ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government at Brigade Parade Grounds on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of several BJP-ruled states expected to attend the event.

Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Kolkata ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new government at Brigade Parade Grounds on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers of several BJP-ruled states expected to attend the event. In view of the high-profile gathering, Kolkata Police on Friday issued multiple notifications announcing traffic restrictions and prohibiting the operation of drones, UAVs, balloons, glider aircraft and all kinds of small and non-scheduled aircraft within a three-kilometre radius of Brigade Parade Ground up to an altitude of 500 metres from 6 am to 6 pm on May 9. Police said the restrictions were imposed to ''pre-empt and mitigate any potential security threats, including the possibility of attacks'', and to ensure ''stringent safety and security'' during the visit of VVIPs and dignitaries. A senior police officer said extensive deployment of personnel and multi-layered security arrangements had been made around Brigade Parade Grounds and key routes leading to the venue. ''Special traffic arrangements and diversion plans have been put in place to ensure smooth movement of VVIP convoys and to avoid congestion in central Kolkata. Commuters are advised to follow the traffic advisories issued by police,'' the officer said. According to the traffic advisory, vehicular movement will be regulated on the Esplanade ramp, Khiddirpore Road, Hospital Road, Casuarina Avenue and Queens Way from early Saturday. Movement of goods vehicles in Kolkata will remain prohibited from 4 am to 8 pm on Saturday, though vehicles carrying essential commodities such as vegetables, medicines, milk and oxygen supplies have been exempted from the restrictions, police said. Parking restrictions have also been imposed in several areas surrounding the venue, including stretches in front of Victoria Memorial on AJC Bose Road, besides Khidirpur Road, Hospital Road, Queens Way, Cathedral Road and Lovers Lane. Besides Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several senior BJP leaders are expected to attend the ceremony, officials added.