George Bush arrives at hotel Maurya

New Delhi, Mar 1: US President George W Bush arrived at the heavily-guarded hotel Maurya Sheraton here tonight at the head of a strong delegation.

He will stay at the hotel tonight before starting his official engagements tomorrow morning.

The hotel was barred for visitors.

Traffic was disallowed on the 9 km stretch from the airport to the hotel that the US delegation took.

Besides Mr Bush, his wife Laura, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley and Chief of Staff Andrew Card are among officials in the US delegation.

Nearly 100 journalists are also accompanying the US head of State.

Personnel from the US secret service were overseeing security duties at the hotel in coordination with Delhi Police.

The visitors have booked the entire hotel which resembles a security fortress. All Indian security personnel and hotel staff have been issued special passes.

UNI