Traffic restrictions in Kolkata ahead of BJP govt swearing-in ceremony; check routes to avoid

KOLKATA: Extensive security arrangements have been made across Kolkata ahead of the new government’s swearing-in ceremony at Brigade Parade Ground on Saturday, which is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief ministers from several BJP-ruled states.Given the high-profile presence, Kolkata Police on Friday issued multiple notifications imposing traffic restrictions and banning the operation of drones, UAVs, balloons, glider aircraft, and all kinds of small and non-scheduled aircraft within a three-kilometre radius of Brigade Parade Ground up to an altitude of 500 metres between 6 am and 6 pm on May 9.Police said the restrictions were imposed to "pre-empt and mitigate any potential security threats, including the possibility of attacks", and to ensure "stringent safety and security" during the visit of VVIPs and dignitaries.A senior police officer said heavy deployment of personnel and multi-layered security arrangements had been put in place around Brigade Parade Ground and along key routes leading to the venue."Special traffic arrangements and diversion plans have been put in place to ensure smooth movement of VVIP convoys and to avoid congestion in central Kolkata. Commuters are advised to follow the traffic advisories issued by police," the officer said.According to the traffic advisory, vehicular movement will be regulated from early Saturday on routes including the Esplanade ramp, Khidirpur Road, Hospital Road, Casuarina Avenue and Queens Way.Police said the movement of goods vehicles across Kolkata will remain prohibited between 4 am and 8 pm on Saturday. However, vehicles carrying essential items such as vegetables, medicines, milk and oxygen cylinders have been exempted from the restrictions.Parking curbs have also been imposed in several areas around the venue, including stretches in front of the Victoria Memorial on AJC Bose Road, as well as parts of Khidirpur Road, Hospital Road, Queens Way, Cathedral Road and Lovers Lane.Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several senior BJP leaders are also expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony, officials said.(With agency inputs)