Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police has announced traffic restrictions in Bhubaneswar in preparation for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, scheduled to take place from January 8 to 10.
The event will see the participation of President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other dignitaries, alongside over 7,500 delegates from around the world.
The Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar on January 8, while the President will attend the event on January 10. Trinidad and Tobago President Christine Carla Kangaloo will be the chief guest of the three-day event, during which 27 diaspora members will be honoured with the prestigious ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.’
To ensure the safety of VIPs and VVIPs and to facilitate smooth traffic flow, restrictions have been imposed on specific roads and their connecting lanes during designated times as mentioned below.
The Commissionerate Police clarified that the curbs will not apply to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire brigades.
Security measures have been heightened, with 83 platoons of police force, including 40 from outside the state, over 500 officers, 12 companies of Central Armed Police Force, and personnel from special intelligence and anti-terror units deployed for the event.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, celebrated biennially, commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915. This year’s event, to be hosted at Janata Maidan, is expected to showcase India’s strong ties with its diaspora and highlight the contributions of Non-Resident Indians globally.
Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with the traffic arrangements and assured smooth regulation to minimize inconvenience while ensuring the success of this prestigious event.
