Govt gives rulebook the go-by

On Monday evening, as a chopper hovered above the Parliament House, a no-fly zone, it reminded the MPs, bureaucrats and the common man that the world's most powerful man is due in another 48 hours.

On Monday evening, as a chopper hovered above the Parliament House, a no-fly zone, it reminded the MPs, bureaucrats and the common man that the world's most powerful man is due in another 48 hours and that the Indian state has made several departures from the rulebook to ensure foolproof security for the President of the United States.

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The Indian Air Force helicopter circled the high security New Delhi area for nearly 15 minutes. The helicopter recceed over the Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan and other places the US President will visit, including Rajghat and the Purana Quila complex.

There will be another departure from the routine. Delhi Police will block both carriageways of the roads that Bush and his 50-vehicle entourage will take.

Two helicopters have also been brought, in a dissembled state, but these are only for an emergency.

Bush visit will impact flight operations at the Delhi Airport as well. Flights will not be allowed to land or take off when the Air Force One lands at the Palam Technical Area on Wednesday.