As part of heightened security arrangements on account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in the city, vehicular movement on the Kozhikode-Kannur National Highway and the Kozhikode mini bypass road will be strictly controlled on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the restrictions will be in place from 1.30 p.m.
Traffic along the routes will be mainly diverted via the newly opened Kozhikode bypass road. Barricades have been erected along major roads in the city to prevent the entry of pedestrians and vehicles from pocket roads to the main road. The deployment of policemen too have been completed in such a way to ensure strict surveillance.
During the Prime Minister’s arrival, traffic along all roads that lead to the beach from Vikram Maidan will be diverted to ensure uninterrupted movement of the official convoy. Along with the local police, the Special Protection Force are also supervising the arrangements. On Sunday, the restrictions will be in place from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m and 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
As part of the alternative arrangements made, vehicles coming from Kannur side to Kozhikode city will have to take the diversion from Puthiyangadi. Vehicles from Balussery side will be diverted from Malapparamba junction. Buses plying on Parappanangadi-Tirur route will have to drop travellers near Kozhikode railway station and operate further trips via Railway Station Link Road. Vehicles from Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam will have to proceed through Pantheerankavu-Thondayad-Arayidathupalam flyover.
Along with the city police, the Coast Guard and the Coastal police too have made separate security arrangements to ensure proper surveillance along the Kozhikode coast. Though there is no ban on fishing, measures are under way to closely watch sea movements. Navy ships will camp off the Kozhikode coast to monitor security measures. Additional number of patrolling boats have been employed to strengthen patrolling.
Additional Director General of Police (North Zone) Sudesh Kumar will directly supervise the special arrangements made in connection with the visit of the Prime Minister. Trial runs have been completed in the city with the support of around 2,400 policemen to ensure flawless operations.
