Delhi turned into impregnable fortress on I Day eve

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Delhi has been turned into an impregnable fortress with a massive security blanket being thrown around the national capital for Independence day celebrations.

Security is at its highest at the airport, railway stations and all major bus depots and other vital installations, including Parliament and celebration venue-- 17 century Red Fort where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will unflur the Tricolour and address the nation.

Old Delhi, where Red Fort is located, has been closed to the public for the past week. In addition, train services will also be suspended near the Red Fort from tonight.

However, flight operations will continue as per schedule.

As many as 35 companies of the Para Military Forces, which is two more than the last year, have been deployed as part of the stepped up security which will specifically focus on anti-explosive checks and tight access control.

Besides, stationing of sharp shooters and quick reaction teams and mounting of Air Force helicopter and roof top surveillance around the Red Fort will be guarded by more than 10,000 security personnel.

All the wings of the Delhi Police force will be pressed into service besides support from NSG, ITBP, the Army and the Air Force.

Special Cell, Special Branch, Commando unit and district police besides others-- will also be part of the security apparatus for the celebrations.

Air Defence measures have also been taken to counter threats.

Air space around the place of the function will be maintained as a no-fly zone. Helicopter surveillance will also be maintained on roads and high-rise buildings.

The Special Cell and the District Police are maintaining a close watch over transport centers, taxi stands, guest houses and other possible areas of shelter that could be used by the militants in the Capital.

All the entry and exit points in Delhi will be sealed from tonight where checking has been intensified and spotters from other states have been deployed to identify miscreants.

Elaborate traffic arrangements around the Red Fort have also been put in place for the celebrations to ensure safe and smooth flow of traffic.

Several roads leading to the fort will be closed for the general traffic from 0500 hrs to 0900 hrs on August 15 in Delhi.

Netaji Subhash Marg from Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail, Lothian Road from GPO Delhi to Chatta Rail, S P Mukherjee Marg from H C Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar chowk, Chandni Chowk from Fountain to Red Fort Chowk, New Darya Ganj Road from Ring Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, and Link Road from Esplanade Road to Netaji Subhash Marg will be closed.

However, the North-South and East-West access across the city will remain functional.

Restrictions have also been imposed on the movement of transport and passenger vehicles, including DTC, on Ring Road. Interstate buses will not be allowed to ply between Maharan Pratap ISBT and Kale Khan ISBT.

UNI

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