Thiruvananthapuram: Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been put in place across Thiruvananthapuram city. Shankhumukham, the Airport area, Putharikandam and East Fort (Kizhakke Kotta) have been declared temporary red zones for today and tomorrow.
As part of heightened security, the use of drone cameras has been completely banned within a two-kilometre radius of these areas. Flying of kites and balloons has also been prohibited during this period.
All vehicles entering the city will be subjected to security checks at the city limits. Special traffic regulations will be in force tomorrow from 7 am to 2 pm, during which parking will not be allowed along the routes used by the Prime Minister.
Traffic on several feeder roads connecting to major routes will be regulated during the Prime Minister’s movement. Vehicles will be diverted between 10 am and 11 am, and again from 12 noon to 1 pm, to ensure smooth passage.
From 7 am to 2 pm, parking will be prohibited on both sides of the roads in key stretches including the Domestic Airport, Shankhumukham, All Saints, Chacka, Pallimukku, Pattoor, General Hospital, Asan Square, Martyrs’ Memorial, VJT Main Gate, Statue, Pulimoodu, Ayurveda College, Overbridge, Melapazhvangadi, Power House Junction and up to Choorakkattu Palayam.
Parking restrictions will also apply on both sides of the roads at Shankhumukham, Domestic Airport, Valiyathura, Ponnara Bridge, Kallumoodu, Ananthapuri Hospital, Enchakkal, Mithranandapuram, SP Fort, Sreekandeswaram Park, Thakaraparambu Flyover, up to Power House Junction, as well as along the Chacka–Ananthapuri Hospital Road.
Motorists have been advised to follow alternative routes during the diversion hours. Vehicles from the Domestic Airport towards Shankhumukham should use the Valiyathura–Ponnara Bridge–Kallumoodu route, while those from Vettukad and Veli heading to All Saints should proceed via Madhavapuram and Venpalavattom. Vehicles coming from Kazhakkoottam towards the city via Chacka should take the Venpalavattom–Kumarapuram–Pattom–Kowdiar route.
Vehicles from PMG towards Palayam should go via LMS Public Library and Panchapura, while those from the Vellayambalam side should use the Vazhuthacaud–Women’s College–Thycaud route. Vehicles travelling from Thampanoor to East Fort via the Overbridge must go through Choorakkattu Palayam, Killippalam and Attakulangara. Traffic from Attakulangara towards East Fort should use either the Killippalam or Enchakkal routes.
Passengers travelling to the airport and railway stations have been urged to plan their journeys well in advance. Those heading to the Domestic Airport should use the Venpalavattom–Chacka Flyover–Enchakkal–Kallumoodu–Ponnara Bridge–Valiyathura route, while passengers bound for the International Terminal should take the Venpalavattom–Chacka Flyover–Enchakkal–Kallumoodu–Ananthapuri Hospital service road route.
