President Droupadi Murmu's Upcoming Visit to Odisha: Schedule and Security Measures
President's Arrival and Itinerary
Bhubaneswar, August 3 - President Droupadi Murmu is set to arrive in Odisha this afternoon for a three-day visit. During her stay, she will participate in various events in the districts of Cuttack and Ganjam, as confirmed by officials.
According to the schedule, the President is expected to land at Biju Patnaik International Airport around 2:10 PM. Following her arrival, she will head to Dama Pada in Cuttack district to inaugurate Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj University. After this event, she will return to Bhubaneswar for an overnight stay at Lok Bhawan. In anticipation of her visit, traffic restrictions will be enforced from 2:10 PM to 2:45 PM along the route from Airport Square to Lok Seva Bhawan, passing through Hospital Square and AG Square.
Special Train Journey to Ganjam
On Tuesday, the President will travel by special train from Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur in Ganjam district, departing around 9 AM. An official stated that stringent security measures will be in place during her train journey, ensuring that no other trains operate on the same track during this time. Enhanced security protocols have been established at both Bhubaneswar and Brahmapur railway stations in light of the President's travel.
Bomb disposal squads, canine units, and thorough checks of passengers' luggage will be conducted. Approximately 15 platoons of police, along with Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel, will be deployed at Bhubaneswar railway station. Upon reaching Brahmapur, President Murmu will visit and offer prayers at the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple, located near the Taptapani hot springs in the Sanakhemundi block.
Security Arrangements and Departure
Following her visit to the temple, she will spend the night at the Army AD College in Golabandha. On August 5, she will return to Bhubaneswar by special train and then depart for New Delhi via a special Indian Air Force aircraft. A senior police official mentioned that the arrangements for the President's train journey were made considering the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of potential rain.
In coordination with central agencies, the Odisha Police has implemented extensive security measures in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Ganjam, adhering to the 'Blue Book' protocol. Approximately 40 platoons of police and around 150 police officers have been deployed in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Officers at the Superintendent of Police (SP) level have been assigned to oversee security at each event location. Commandos will accompany the President throughout her visit.
District Collector V. Kirti Vasan stated that all venues associated with the President's visit have been declared 'no-fly zones.' He also mentioned that during the President's temple visit on Tuesday, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi may accompany her.