Bhubaneswar: The Mahatma Gandhi Marg here appeared splashed with colours as troops and contingents took to road as part of their ‘full dress rehearsal’ ahead of the state-level Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday.
As many as 44 troops participated in the parade that lasted for around three hours. Odisha Police, Fire Services, NDRF, Red Cross, NCC, teams from Dare Devils and students from colleges and schools participated in the show. The 120 Battalion regiment led the parade, reports said.
Police DGP Rajendra Prasad Sharma and Twin City Police Commissioner Satyajit Mohanty also attended the final rehearsal event.
On the other hand, elaborate security arrangements have been made to keep a strict vigil in and around the parade area ahead of the 72nd Independence Day.
At least 30 platoons of police including150 senior police officers and Odisha Swift Action Force will be deployed on the MG Marg to ensure safety and security of the audience on the parade day, informed sources.
CCTV cameras have also been installed at various strategic locations to monitor movement of general people during the mega event.
Vehicular movement along the MG Marg and its periphery has been streamlined in view of the parade, said a public notice issued by the Police Commissionerate.
As per the notification, while plying of heavy vehicles to Master Canteen Square from Ram Mandir or Raj Mahal will remain suspended, two wheelers and light motor vehicles will be allowed from Raj Mahal to Master Canteen. However, no vehicles will be allowed towards PMG square till the parade is over.
Similarly, vehicles will not be allowed to ply towards Rabindra Mandap and will be diverted at Keshari Talkies. The movement of vehicles towards PMG square from AG square shall be diverted near Jaydev Bhawan towards IDCOL Auditorium.
All kind of vehicles coming from 120 Battalion square shall be diverted towards Unit-4 at MLA colony crossing. Further, all the lanes leading to MG Marg will be sealed for vehicles and only pedestrians will be allowed, the notification said.