Enhanced Security Measures for President Murmu's Upcoming Odisha Visit
Strict Protocols for Presidential Security in Odisha
(File Photo)
Bhubaneswar, July 31 - The Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha, Y.B. Khurania, has instructed officials to ensure strict adherence to the protocols outlined in the 'Blue Book' for VVIP security during President Droupadi Murmu's three-day visit to the state starting August 3. This information was shared by officials. According to a statement from the Odisha Police headquarters, the DGP emphasized that all relevant units must rigorously follow the security protocols established for very important persons (VVIPs).
To enhance coordination among various departments regarding security operations, nodal officers are being appointed.
Khurania reviewed the security arrangements in a meeting concerning the President's upcoming visit, which included several senior officials such as Director (Intelligence) R.P. Koche, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (State Armed Police) Rajesh Kumar, Police Commissioner (Bhubaneswar-Cuttack) Devdutt Singh, Chief Security Commissioner (ECoR) Alok Bohra, IGP (CR) Satyajit Naik, and Superintendent of Police (SP), Crime Investigation Department-Crime Branch (CID-CB) Vivekananda Sharma.
According to the President's itinerary, Murmu will arrive in Bhubaneswar from New Delhi via a special flight on the afternoon of August 3 and will then travel by road to Jagadguru Kripalu University located near Banki in Cuttack district, where she will inaugurate the institution.
She will return to Bhubaneswar for the night. On August 4, the President will travel by train from Bhubaneswar to Berhampur and then proceed by road to Taptapani in Ganjam district. At Taptapani, she will perform rituals and an aarti at the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple located in the Govindpur Panchayat of the Sanakhemundi block and participate in a tree plantation program.
Officials noted that the train travel schedule has been arranged considering the rainfall forecast from the India Meteorological Department. As part of the security preparations, bomb disposal squads will prioritize inspections at all locations and along travel routes. The statement mentioned that monitoring of railway tracks has been intensified, and personnel will be stationed at all level crossings along the route.
According to the statement, railway staff assigned to duty on the platform are being identified in advance, and duty passes are being issued to ensure smooth entry. Comprehensive security measures, including drone surveillance and continuous inspections of locations and routes, are also being implemented to strengthen preparations. The DGP has directed senior officials to maintain better coordination among police, railway, and administrative authorities to ensure the President's visit is smooth, secure, and dignified.