PM visit: Traffic diversions imposed, visitors cannot carry mobiles, water

NAVI MUMBAI: Sources from the state government have said that there is a slight change in the PM’s schedule. “Earlier the function was supposed to be held at 3pm, but now it has been changed to 3.30pm.”
The PM will land in Mumbai and fly to the NMIA site. He will be accompanied by governor, chief minister, union shipping and civil aviation ministers. The PM will also e-launch the first phase of the fourth container terminal at JNPT. He will land at the north-east part of the hill where airport strategic partner, MIAL, has built a helipad. He will be driven to the venue near Kombadbhuje village in the core airport area.

The general public attending the function will have to pass through multi-layered security arrangement.

Deputy commissioner of police, crime, Tushar Doshi, said, “Visitors will not be allowed to carry mobiles, water bottles, tiffin, pamphlets, bags, etc inside the ‘pandal’ erected at the venue for the programme. Visitors will also be checked by Special Protection Group (SPG) teams meant for PM’s personal security. Even SRPF platoons have been summoned apart from the bomb detection and dog squad. Cops have been deployed in plain clothes too. For the PM’s security, by rule, we have to deploy a deputy commissioner of police for every point — PM’s convoy, helipad, function venue, etc.”

Cidco Senior public relations officer, Mohan Ninawe, said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be landing at the helipad near the venue and after unveiling the foundation stone for NMIA project as well as the inauguration of JNPT’s fourth container terminal, he will deliver a speech. After concluding the programme, he will go to the helipad for the return journey.”

Deputy commissioner of police, traffic, Nitin Pawar said, “On February 18, there will be traffic diversion and no entry for HMVs heading towards JNPT via Uran phata, from 6am till 9pm. The HMVs plying along Sion-Panvel highway will be prohibited to take a right turn from Uran phata and will have to travel straight to reach Kalamboli circle and thereafter, take right to reach JNPT along bypass road. While, the HMVs coming from Gavhan phata will be prohibited entry towards Kille Junction, they will be diverted from ‘D-point’ via Panvel to reach Kalamboli circle on the Sion-Panvel highway to travel to their destinations.”

Pawar added, “The parking facility for vehicles of VVIPs, VIPs and programme pass holders has been reserved at some 500 metres distance from the venue ground. These vehicles will have to come from Kille junction and after crossing the bridge take the road towards Kombadbhuje village to reach the parking lot. While, citizens coming to the venue in four-wheelers and public transport buses will have to travel via the service road of TIPLcompany along the Ulwe village road to reach the vehicle parking lot and then walk towards the venue. Two-wheeler riders will have to travel along the Ulwe road to reach the parking lot. Vehicles coming from Konkan, Pune, Panvel and Uran will have to ply along the old Panvel-Uran road to cross Dapoli-Pargaon-Dungi-Khalcha Owala villages to reach the parking lot near the venue ground in the vicinity of Kombadbhuje village.”