Modi's swearing-in ceremony: Multi-layer security cover in Delhi; over 10K security personnel deployed

New Delhi: A multi-layered security arrangement will be in place in the city today, on Thursday, with deployment of around 10,000 security personnel from Delhi police and paramilitary forces on account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. The same will be attended by foreign dignitaries, chief ministers and governors of several states among others.

Quick Response Teams (QRTs) will be deployed at several crucial spots. Snipers were also deployed atop several important buildings as Modi visited Rajghat, Sadaiv Atal Samadhi and National War Memorial to pay homage, a senior police official said.

“Over 10,000 security personnel from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed on account of the swearing-in-ceremony,” the official said.

Another police official said over 2,000 security personnel will also be deployed along the route to be taken by Modi and other foreign dignitaries. The swearing-in-ceremony of Modi and his council of ministers is scheduled to take place today, at 7 pm, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A number of heads of states, heads of governments, constitutional authorities, diplomats, senior political leaders, government officials and media persons are scheduled to attend the ceremony.

A traffic advisory issued a day ahead of the ceremony said several roads in New Delhi district will be closed for movement of public between 4 pm to 9 pm on Thursday and motorists and public were asked to avoid them.

The advisory further said roads including Rajpath – from Vijay Chowk to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Vijay Chowk and adjoining areas including North and South fountain, South Avenue, North Avenue, Dara-Shikoh Road and Church Road will be closed for public between 4 pm and 9 pm.

A traffic official added that necessary traffic diversions will be given for several roads including Akbar Road, Rajpath, Teen Murti Marg, Krishna Menon Marg, Pandit Pant Marg, Talkatora Road, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Road, Tyagaraj Marg and S.P. Marg.

Similarly traffic diversions will be given on Khushak Road, K Kamaraj Marg, Rajaji Marg, Shanti Path, Raisina Road — beyond Rail Bhawan roundabout towards Parliament House and Moti Lal Nehru Marg (beyond roundabout Udyog Bhawan towards RP Bhawan) which are expected to face congestion due to the ceremony, the traffic official added.

Traffic signages have been provided for the information of invitees and public. All motorists are advised to follow the directions of the traffic police on duty, the advisory added.