Prime Minister Narendra Modi being received by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan upon his arrival at Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday evening
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Thiruvananthapuram has come under heightened security and traffic control on account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival to commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday.
Mr. Modi arrived at the State capital by evening for a two-day visit. He later headed to the Kerala Raj Bhavan where he will stay overnight. He is expected to commence his journey to Vizhinjam by helicopter around 9.45 a.m.
The visit has prompted a city-wide security blanket, led by the District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) and coordinated by 13 Superintendents of Police.
With the city witnessing a spate of bomb threats of late, the police have adopted strong anti-sabotage measures. Security agencies including the Central Intelligence units have also been monitoring the security scheme.
On Thursday alone, at least five institutions received such messages, prompting anti-sabotage operations. Intensive checks were conducted at the UAE Consulate, Vizhinjam Port, District Court Complex, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and the College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram. All threats have been found to be hoax.
Two days ago, the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport received a bomb threat, prompting the joint combing operation of the premises by the City Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
In anticipation of the high-profile event, stringent surveillance is underway across hotels, homestays and lodges. The coastal belt is also under tight watch by the Coastal Police and Coast Guard, while border checkpoints in the city are seeing intensified vehicle inspections.
As part of the security arrangements, public attendees at the seaport inauguration are prohibited from carrying bottles, sticks or flags into the venue.
Traffic restrictions
Traffic regulations have been implemented across key areas of the city on both days of the Prime Minister’s visit.
Public vehicles arriving for the event will not be allowed to be parked on restricted roads or bylanes, and should be parked only in designated areas. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed using recovery vans. Legal action will be taken against the motorists, the police have cautioned.
On account of the restrictions, vehicle parking is prohibited on both sides of the roads from Shangumughom to Chakka, Pettah, Pallimukku, Pattom, General Hospital, Asan Square, Museum, Vellayambalam and Kowdiar. The restrictions will apply from Kowdiar to Vellayambalam, Althara, Sree Mulam Club, Edappazhanji, Pangode Military Camp and Pallimukku from 6.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday until the departure of the Prime Minister.
Published – May 02, 2025 09:11 am IST
