Chandigarh gears up for PM Modi's visit

Chandigarh, Sept 10: Security has been beefed up ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit scheduled on Friday in Mohali to inaugurate the international airport.

At least 4,500 police personnel, including commandos and SWAT team, have been deployed to keep a vigil, officials said here today.

Modi is set to inaugurate the international airport, located at Mohali in the morning after which he will be the chief guest at a convocation function at PGIMER, they said.

He would later present the keys to beneficiaries under affordable housing scheme and address a public meeting at sector 25 rally ground here.

Punjab and Haryana along with the central security agencies will assist the Chandigarh Police to keep a strict vigil.

A team of more than 30 members of Special Protection Group (SPG) landed in the city on Tuesday to chalk out Modi's security plan, official sources said.

The Rs 485 crore airport project will be operated and maintained by Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL). It is a joint venture of Airports Authority of India (AAI), governments of Punjab and Haryana.

In this JV, AAI has 51 per cent stake while Punjab and Haryana have 24.5 per cent equity each. Meanwhile, the city, which will be developed as 'Smart city' under central scheme has been spruced up for the Modi's visit.

PTI