State capital braces for gridlock amid President’s visit, sports meet and heavy rains

Thiruvananthapuram is bracing for major traffic disruptions over the next few days as President Droupadi Murmu’s visit coincides with the Kerala School Sports Meet, which formally began on Tuesday, amid continuing heavy rainfall in the State capital.

The City police have imposed extensive traffic diversions and deployed close to 1,000 personnel to manage both security and vehicle movement. The VIP route, from the Thiruvananthapuram International airport to the Raj Bhavan, will remain a sterile, high-security corridor with parking strictly prohibited and round-the-clock surveillance.

Traffic restrictions have kicked in the core city areas including Shanghumugham, Palayam, Vellayambalam, Kowdiar and adjoining stretches. Several inner roads leading to these major corridors will also be placed under regulated access.

Officials cautioned that congestion is likely around the sports meet venues including the Central Stadium and Putharikandam Maidan, where a massive food pavilion has been set up for athletes. With the events scheduled on working days, movement around schools and offices is also expected to be severely affected.

On the other hand, the National Highway 66 bypass is expected to face relatively less disruption. An additional 50 officers are being deployed exclusively to coordinate the traffic arrangements for the sports meet, apart from the manpower assigned to the President’s convoy duties. The public have been advised to park at designated parking areas, failing which the vehicles could be towed away and legal action initiated against violators.

Motorists have also been advised to expert diversions at junctions and feeder roads joining the VIP route. Commuters traveling to the domestic and international airport terminals have been urged to plan their travel in advance and use alternative routes.

Meanwhile, the Thiruvananthapuram Rural police have banned the use of drones in areas under the Varkala police subdivision ahead of the President’s visit to Sivagiri on October 23.

‘No fly zones for drones’ have been declared in Varkala, Ayiroor, Anjuthengu, Anjuthengu Coastal and Kadinamkulam police station limits until October 24. The police have warned that any violation of the drone ban will invite strict legal action.