Only those with valid passes would be allowed near Morabadi grounds, the venue of Tuesday's Republic Day function, police have announced.
"We have issued passes of three colours, yellow, white and green, to enter the area around Morabadi ground. That's because we expect a huge turnout of people...It will create traffic disturbance and there will be a problem of parking space. So if you don't have passes, please leave your vehicle at home. This restriction will remain in force right from morning till the programme ends," said traffic DSP Dilip Khalkho.
Ranchi traffic SP Manoj Ratan Chothe, along with city SP Jaya Roy and others, visited Morabadi grounds on Monday to take stock of security arrangements. Governor Droupdi Murmu is scheduled to hoist the Tricolour at 9am.
"Visitors have been asked to take their seats by 8.40am. The programme is expected to continue for an hour at least. There is the governor's speech, a parade and presentation of tableaux," said Ranchi deputy commissioner Manoj Kumar.
Traffic would be restricted in roads around Morabadi ground during the duration of the function. Entry of heavy vehicles within Ranchi city limits would be restricted from 6am to 10pm with police designating as many as 10 points up to which trucks, coming in from other parts of the state, would be allowed.
"Traffic routes for light vehicles around Morabadi ground area have also been changed. But citizens will not face any problem. As per the schedule, governor will arrive at the ground at 9am, hoist the flag, inspect a guard of honour, besides enjoying a band display and other programmes," Chothe said.
According to the police, heavy vehicles coming to Ranchi from Kanke via Boreya would be stopped at Boreya, those coming from Chiabasa and Khunti would be stopped at Birsa Chowk and heavy vehicles coming from Jamshedpur would be stopped at Shahid Durga Soren Chowk at Namkum. Besides, Pandra (Ratu), Kathal More (Argora) and Chandni Chowk (Kanke) were among the other last points for heavy vehicles.
However, there would be no restrictions on movement of buses within the city, except in stretches near Morabadi ground.
As a result of the traffic curbs, traffic would be affected on various stretches of Ranchi, especially some roads leading to Morabadi. These, according to police, were Ram Mandir (Kanke Road) to Morabadi, Hotlips Chowk to Morabadi ,via Administrative Training institute, and Karamtoli Chowk to SSP residence.
Sources said 62 traffic policemen and 12 officers would be posted around Morabadi ground for crowd control and traffic. More traffic policemen would be deployed at all 40 traffic posts across the city.
City SP Roy said, "Adequate policemen will be deployed near the ground. All strategic points and locations will be manned by police forces. Patrolling parties will fan out across the city to keep tabs on law and order."
