Obama in India: R-Day security adds to weekend for a four-day shutdown

There could be an extended weekend as the central government plans to close down its offices close to Rajpath on January 23 on account of high security apparatus being put in place for US President Barack Obama’s visit starting from January 25.

There could be an extended weekend as the central government plans to close down its offices close to Rajpath on January 23 on account of high security apparatus being put in place for US President Barack Obama’s visit starting from January 25.

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The full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day Parade will take place on January 23, a Friday. The government plans to close down the offices within a kilometre of Rajpath for the rehearsal for a day, which previously used to be closed for half a day.

This would mean a four-day break as Republic Day falls on Monday, a gazetted holiday. “We are planning a short trip to Shimla to witness some snow,” a senior government official said.

US security officials have already arrived in Delhi as part of the advance team to finalise security for Obama’s visit during the Capital may witness restrictions on movement in the New Delhi area. About 1,500 security personnel from various US agencies, including the Secret Service will be deployed.

Home Ministry officials said US president’s security plans will be discussed with the advance team in the next few days and directions to different agencies on the restrictions will be issued by next week.