Mumbai police heave a sigh of relief

United States President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama left Mumbai for New Delhi at 1.30 p.m. on Sunday.

His visit to the city was laced with controversial and heart-warming moments. While the Bharatiya Janata Party found his address at the Taj Hotel disappointing, the young and the old were overwhelmed after meeting him at Mani Bhavan and St. Xavier's college.

Mr. Obama and his wife celebrated Diwali at a local school in the morning and met students at St. Xavier's college later. From there, they travelled by road to INS Shikra and flew in Marine One chopper to the Chhatrapati Shivaji international airport at 1.15 p.m. Air Force One took off from the airport at 1.30 pm.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and protocol Minister Suresh Shetty had come along with a few officials to see Mr. Obama off.

Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal also visited the airport.

43,000 staff on duty

There was a sense of relief among the security personnel after Mr. Obama left. The police were out in full force with nearly 43,000 personnel on duty during his visit.

Special forces such as the Quick Response Teams and Mumbai Commandos were also on high alert, along with other agencies such as the city's Fire Department. Even the traffic police were out in full force for traffic management as some roads were blocked during his visit.

The Central Industrial Security Force, which was in charge of security arrangements in the airport area, had deployed additional contingents.

“The airport is always a high security area. But, yes, there is a sense of relief now that this visit is over,” an official said.