Delhi on high alert for PM-designate Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony; security up at borders too

PTC Web Desk: Security in Delhi will be at its peak on Sunday for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. Officials from the Delhi Police have confirmed a multi-layered security strategy that includes five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandos, drones, and snipers, all concentrated around Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The event, set to host dignitaries from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations, will feature a security detail reminiscent of last year’s G20 summit. The Delhi Police have announced designated routes for dignitaries travelling from their hotels to the venue and back. An official notice released on Friday highlighted a prohibition on certain flying objects over Delhi.

Personnel to be Deployed

Snipers and armed police will be strategically positioned along the dignitaries’ routes, while drones will monitor key locations across the national capital. High-profile leaders from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, and Seychelles are expected to attend. Hotels such as Leela, Taj, ITC Maurya, Claridges, and Oberoi have already been secured for these guests.

Advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence and intrusion warning systems, will be used for scanning and facial recognition. Snipers will be deployed on high-rise buildings to ensure comprehensive surveillance.

Heavy Security at Rashtrapati Bhawan

The ceremony inside Rashtrapati Bhawan will feature a three-layered security arrangement. Commandos from Delhi Police’s SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team and the NSG will be stationed around the President’s residence and key locations.

Approximately 2,500 police personnel, including five companies of paramilitary forces and Delhi Armed Police (DAP) jawans, will be deployed around the venue, as confirmed by an official.

Traffic Diversions

Due to the ceremony, several roads leading to central Delhi may be closed or experience diversions from Sunday morning. Enhanced checks at the city’s borders will begin on Saturday to ensure security.

Dignitaries and Special Invitees

Leaders from India’s neighbouring countries and the Indian Ocean region have been invited to attend the ceremony. Confirmed attendees include Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Vice President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Following the swearing-in, these leaders will attend a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan in the evening.

Special invitees to the ceremony will reflect the diverse fabric of Indian society. These include labourers from the Central Vista project, staff and employees from the railways department involved in Vande Bharat and metro train services, members of the transgender community, sanitation workers from the public health department, beneficiaries of Central government schemes, and Viksit Bharat ambassadors.

Labourers working on the Central Vista project, a major redevelopment initiative in New Delhi, have been pivotal in its progress. 

Employees from the railways department, crucial to initiatives like the Vande Bharat Express and metro expansions, will also be honoured guests. Their contributions to enhancing India’s transportation infrastructure have been significant.

The government has invited members of the transgender community, reflecting its commitment to social justice and equality. Recognising their struggles and contributions, the ceremony aims to promote their inclusion in mainstream society.

Sanitation workers, often the unsung heroes, will be acknowledged for their essential role in maintaining public health, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Beneficiaries of Central government schemes will also be part of this esteemed gathering. Additionally, Viksit Bharat ambassadors, advocates of India’s vision for development, will be present.