Tight security in place for PM Modi's Odisha visit today

Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Tight security arrangements are in place for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Odisha today as part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Around 100 platoons of police force have been deployed in the twin city- 80 platoons in Cuttack and 20 in Bhubaneswar, official sources said.

Senior officials of Commissionerate Police reviewed security arrangements and preparations ahead of the PM's visit to Cuttack where Modi will be addressing a public gathering to place his government’s report card to the people of the nation on completion of four years of his government.

The PM will reach Bhubaneswar at around 3:15 pm and then fly to Naraj in a helicopter.

Earlier on Saturday, Indian Air Force had conducted a mock drill at the makeshift helipad constructed at Naraj. Barricades have been set up on both sides of the road from Naraj to the venue, Killa Maidan, in Cuttack.

Dog and bomb squads have conducted a thorough check of the venue and also several other parts in the Capital city.

As part of the security arrangement, people have been barred from taking anything to the venue including water bottles.

Moreover, a special cabin has been arranged at the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar for medical emergency, if any.

Ahead of Modi's scheduled visit, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today thanked the PM for his vision of ‘Purvodaya’- Development of North East including Odisha.

https://twitter.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1000203096264400897

On the other hand, the PM in a series of tweets wrote ----

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1000194984719466496

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1000195377390211073

As per reports, PM Modi will straight move to Bhubaneswar after addressing the public meeting and leave for New Delhi at around 5.45 pm.