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Narendra Modi to keep first date with Chandigarh as Prime Minister
The City Beautiful is fully geared to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his maiden visit here after assuming the office, on Friday.
The City Beautiful is fully geared to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his maiden visit here after assuming the office, on Friday. The PM will inaugurate the much-awaited international airport at SAS Nagar, attend the convocation at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and address a rally in Sector 25, where he will also hand over keys to allottees of Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) flats in Sector 63.
Schools in city to remain closed today
The administration, for the first time, has declared a holiday in all the schools due to the prime minister's visit. The examinations scheduled on Friday in some schools have also been postponed and would be rescheduled. Adviser Vijay Dev said the schools had been closed keeping in view the "safety and security" of children and save them from hassles due to traffic restrictions in some parts of the city. However, sources said since 150 school buses were being put to use to ferry supporters to the rally, there was no option but to close the schools.
President of bus operators union Manjit Singh said, "We have been asked to get 150 buses to ferry people to the rally. Supporters, workers and even cops would be taken to Sector-25 rally ground in school buses," he said.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, final touches were given to the roads to be taken by the PM's cavalcade. The road berms and central verges were given a fresh coat of paint. All arrangements has been made at the rally venue in Sector 25 and a huge picture of the Prime Minister would don the background on the stage.
SPG reviews security arrangements
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the Prime Minister's visit. The special protection group (SPG) on Wednesday visited the venues which Modi is scheduled to visit. The SPG also conducted full dress rehearsals on the route to be taken by the PM's cavalcade and directed the Chandigarh Police to make some changes.
Traffic jams witnessed
As the local police, along with SPG, held rehearsals from 9am to 1pm, traffic snarls were witnessed at some places. The most affected stretches were between airport lightpoint and Tribune chowk; Madhya Marg near the PGIMER and the road leading to Sector 25 rally ground.
Between 9am and 1.30pm, better stay at home
The police have earmarked four routes for PM's cavalcade to cross the city and one of them will be put to use. The police have advised residents to avoid city roads between 9am and 1.30pm.
PM's itinerary
9.30am Prime Minister will reach Chandigarh airport and travel to the new terminal of international airport in SAS Nagar for its inauguration
10:30am Will reach PGIMER to attend the convocation
11.30am and 12 noon Will reach the rally ground in Sector 25
1pm Leave the venue for the airport
Roads to be avoided
The police have not given definite route plan owing to security reasons. The residents, however, should avoid roads leading to Sector 25 rally ground, PGIMER and airport. The PM's cavalcade is expected to move from the airport to Tribune Chowk, take a turn towards Sector 26 Transport Chowk, enter Madhya Marg to reach PGIMER. After spending about an hour at the PGI, the cavalcade will leave for Sector 25 rally ground.
