Bhubaneswar: Police have made elaborate security arrangements for the Republic Day parade at Mahatma Gandhi Marg and have imposed traffic regulations for smooth conduct of the event.
A police notification stated that no heavy vehicles would be allowed to move towards Master Canteen Square either from the Ram Mandir crossing or from Raj Mahal Square side during the parade.
However, no such restrictions would be imposed on two-wheelers and other light vehicles. There is complete ban on entry of vehicles on Mahatma Gandhi Marg for the Republic Day parade.
Similarly, vehicles moving towards Rabindra Mandap Square from Acharya Vihar would be diverted to the left near Keshari Talkies. Vehicles heading towards PMG Square from AG Square would be diverted near Jayadev Bhavan towards IG Park.
The sale of balloons and other explosive substances would be prohibited in the area between PMG Square and Master Canteen Square on Friday from 6.30am till the end of the parade.
In 2002, around 20 persons were injured when a gas balloon cylinder exploded during Republic Day celebrations at Mahatma Gandhi Marg.
The police have also identified seven parking lots in and around Mahatma Gandhi Marg for those coming for the parade. These parking lots are located near BDA bus stand near the railway station, open spaces in front of Congress Bhawan, Idcol auditorium, Jayadev Bhawan and SBI (Unit-III). The open space inside Rabindra Mandap and on Unit-II Girls High School ground will also be used to park vehicles.
Police commissioner Y.B. Khurania said 25 platoons of police personnel would be deployed here during the parade.
"A team of 150 officers will also be pressed into action. The quick action team of the commissionerate police will also be deployed," the police chief said.
The police said that Mahatma Gandhi Marg would be under CCTV surveillance for the parade.
"We have already started checking bus stands, railway stations and other sensitive places in the city," said Khurania. Besides, a 12-member National Security Guard team will be deployed here for the parade. Though the police remained tight-lipped about their role, sources said the team would work in tandem with the police to thwart any possible terrorist activity.
