Traffic curbs, over 3k cops for PM’s Brigade rally today

Kolkata: BJP plans to bring 1 lakh supporters to the Brigade on Saturday, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the rally at the end of the Parivartan Yatra.Organisers requested cops to arrange parking for 2,500 buses and cars around Maidan. Seven special trains have been booked by BJP to bring supporters from districts, a large portion from North Bengal. About 3,000 Kolkata Police personnel will be deputed around the venue from 9 am. The party said supporters will hold rallies from Howrah and Sealdah stations, which will converge at the Brigade. "A rally will come from south Kolkata, too," an officer said. Additional force and 50 pickets, will be deployed along rally routes, said sources. Visitors to the venue will be frisked at least twice, cops said.Cops on Friday also announced extensive traffic restrictions for Saturday. Commissioner Supratim Sarkar said the restrictions will remain in force from 4 am to 8 pm, or longer if required. Traffic will be regulated on Esplanade ramp, KP Road, Hospital Road, Lovers' Lane, Casuarina Avenue and Queensway. Goods vehicles will be barred from Kolkata Police jurisdiction during the restricted hours, except those carrying LPG cylinders, CNG, petroleum products, oxygen, medicines, and perishables.