Tricity braces for Shah’s visit today
Minister to attend 4 events in Panchkula; traffic curbs to be in place in UT too
The Tricity has been put on high alert ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s whirlwind visit to Panchkula on Wednesday Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali have been declared no-flying zones for drones and UAVs and extensive traffic restrictions and diversions put in place to ensure a smooth VVIP movement.
Shah will be in Panchkula for nearly three-and-a-half hours, during which he will attend four major events. Official records show that he will take both lunch and dinner on board the aircraft, underlining the tight schedule of his visit.
In Panchkula, more than 2,700 police personnel have been deployed for the visit. As many as 10 DCP and SP-rank officers, four additional SPs, 41 DSPs/ACPs and 90 inspectors have been tasked with maintaining law and order. Security personnel from various police ranges, commissionerates and districts across Haryana have also been pressed into service.
The Chandigarh Administration has declared the entire Union Territory a no-flying zone for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles for December 24.
Traffic restrictions
Chandigarh: On Dakshin Marg, traffic will be regulated between the Airport light point and Tribune Chowk. Similarly, restrictions will be in place on Purv Marg from Tribune Chowk to the Transport Area light point. On Madhya Marg, regulation will apply from the Transport Area towards the Fun Republic light point. These traffic regulations will be effective in two phases — from 2.30 pm to 4 pm and again from 7 pm to 8.30 pm.
Panchkula: The stretch from Shalimar Chowk to Tawa Chowk will remain completely closed to traffic from 7 am to 8 pm. Vehicular movement from Sector 17/18 Chowk to Bella Vista Chowk will also remain prohibited after 4 pm, except for emergency vehicles. Motorists travelling from Chandigarh to Panchkula are advised to use internal city roads via the Housing Board and Sector 17/18.
The Chandigarh-Panchkula route via Saketri will also remain closed.
HOME MINISTER’S ITINERARY
2:25 pm: Departs Palam (Delhi) by BSF aircraft; lunch on board
3:25 pm: AWill arive at Chandigarh technical airport
3:55-4:50 pm: Mega Sahkari Sammelan at Indradhanush Auditorium, Panchkula
4:55-5:55 pm: Haryana Police passing out parade at Tau Devi Lal Stadium
6:00-6:30 pm: Atal Park — unveiling of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s statue, exhibition, library and blood donation camp
6:35-7:25 pm: Veer Bal Diwas Samaroh at Indradhanush Auditorium
7:55 pm: Departs Chandigarh by BSF aircraft; dinner on board
