New Delhi: Delhi Police and central security agencies have drawn up extensive security and traffic arrangements for Dussehra celebrations at Utsav Ground in IP Extension, East Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the Ravana Dahan ceremony on Tuesday evening, October 20.
According to a report by the Hindustan Times, nearly 2,500 personnel from the Delhi Police and central armed forces are expected to be deployed for the event. The arrangements include a three-layer security cordon, surveillance drones, anti-sabotage checks and traffic restrictions around the venue and on key routes.
The Prime Minister is expected to reach the ground at around 6.30 pm, the report said. His attendance has been described as likely rather than officially confirmed.
How Will Security Be Arranged At IP Extension?
The security plan will have three layers, with different agencies responsible for each level.
The Special Protection Group (SPG) will manage the innermost security perimeter. The middle layer will be handled by personnel from the Prime Minister’s security wing of the Delhi Police, including commandos, while local police will oversee the outer layer.
SWAT commandos from the Delhi Police Special Cell, which handles counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue operations, are also expected to be deployed. Officials cited the threat perception and the possibility of disruption or protests by anti-social elements as reasons for the extensive arrangements.
According to the report, high-rise buildings along the Prime Minister’s motorcade route and near the venue have been checked and secured. Tactical teams will be positioned on selected rooftops, while metal detectors and baggage scanners will be installed at entry gates.
Sniffer dogs, quick reaction teams, ambulances and patrol vehicles will also be part of the arrangements.
Will Visitors Need An Entry Pass?
People attending the Ravana Dahan ceremony will need valid entry passes issued by the organisers, according to police officers cited in the report.
The venue is expected to receive nearly 10,000 people. Attendees will undergo mandatory searches and frisking at the entry gates, while security teams have conducted multiple anti-sabotage checks for suspicious objects.
East Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajeev Kumar said elaborate security and traffic arrangements had been made for Dussehra events at IP Extension and other venues in the district. He also confirmed that aerial surveillance using drones was underway.
Which Roads Will Face Traffic Diversions In Delhi?
The Delhi Traffic Police is expected to deploy around 300 personnel to manage traffic on routes leading to and around the venue. Diversions are scheduled between 5 pm and 8 pm, affecting parts of central, south and east Delhi.
In East Delhi, restrictions are planned on the following roads and stretches:
- National Highway 24
- Road No. 57 and Road No. 57A
- Road No. 55 around Patparganj and Ghazipur
- Vikas Marg
A contingency route plan has also been prepared, the report said. The traffic advisory reportedly outlines the affected roads without explicitly referring to the Prime Minister’s expected visit.
Commuters have been advised to avoid diversion-affected stretches where possible, use alternative routes and allow additional time for their journeys. Motorists have also been asked to park only in designated areas, avoid roadside parking and follow traffic signs and directions issued by personnel on duty.
People planning to travel through East Delhi on Tuesday evening should check the latest traffic advisory before leaving and account for possible delays around IP Extension and nearby roads.
