Security at Bhubaneswar airport reviewed ahead of PM Modi’s visit

Bhubaneswar: A high-level meeting was held today to review the security arrangements at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to land on May 26 before leaving to Cuttack to address a public gathering at the Bali Jatra ground.

BPIA Director Suresh Chandra Hota, officials of Special Protection Group (SPG) and DGP RP Sharma discussed the security arrangements ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. Senior officials of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other security organisations were also present in the meeting.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) today carried out a mock landing drill at a makeshift helipad constructed near Naraj where PM Modi's helicopter is scheduled to land.

All security arrangements in Cuttack have been reviewed under the supervision of some IG-rank officials of the Special Protection Group (SPG).  Earlier on Wednesday, a seven-member team of the SPG, including two AIG-rank officials, had reviewed security arrangements at the Bali Jatra ground.

As per sources, 100 platoon of police force - 80 in Cuttack and 20 in Bhubaneswar - will be deployed as part of the security arrangements. A carcade rehearsal will also be conducted yesterday to avoid last-minute hiccups.

"We have made separate arrangements to control traffic and there will be few diversions. We have also submitted requisition for deployment of Special Tactical Unit (STU) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). The anti-sabotage checking is also being carried out a various places," said Cuttack DCP Akhileshvar Singh.