Berhampur: Extensive security arrangements and special traffic regulations have been put in place across Berhampur, Taptapani, and Gopalpur ahead of the two-day visit of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, to Ganjam district on August 4 and 5. The district administration and police have intensified preparations to ensure the visit proceeds smoothly while maintaining public safety and traffic management.
According to the official schedule, President Murmu will arrive at Berhampur Railway Station by a special train on August 4. From there, she will travel by road to Taptapani, where she is scheduled to offer prayers at the revered Maa Kandhuni Temple and participate in various official engagements. Following the day’s programme, the President will stay overnight at the Army Air Defence College in Gopalpur.
On August 5, the President is scheduled to return to Berhampur Railway Station before departing for Bhubaneswar by special train.
To facilitate the high-security movement of the Presidential convoy, the Ganjam district administration has issued a detailed traffic advisory. The information was shared during a press briefing held at the office of the Berhampur Sub-Collector, where Ganjam Collector V. Keerthivasan outlined the restrictions and requested public cooperation.
Traffic Restrictions on August 4
As per the advisory, the movement of heavy vehicles will remain completely prohibited on the main road between Andhapasara Square and Fast Gate from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM.
The administration has also restricted the movement of cars, auto-rickshaws, and other light vehicles on the same stretch between 10:30 AM and 11:45 AM.
Additionally, two-wheelers will not be allowed to operate between Andhapasara Square and Haridakhandi Square from 10:45 AM onwards during the President’s convoy movement.
School buses have been advised to enter Berhampur city through the Lanjipalli Bypass to avoid disruptions during the restricted period.
Traffic Advisory for August 5
On the second day of the visit, similar restrictions will be enforced as the President returns to Berhampur.
The movement of heavy vehicles on the route from Gopalpur Junction to NH-16 via Golanthara will remain suspended from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
Restrictions on light vehicles will come into effect from 9:30 AM, while two-wheelers will be restricted from 9:45 AM until the Presidential convoy passes through the designated route.
Authorities have advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance and use alternate routes wherever possible.
Multi-Layered Security Across Ganjam
Security has been significantly strengthened across the district for the high-profile visit.
Around 30 platoons of police personnel have been deployed across Berhampur and surrounding areas, while an additional 15 platoons will be stationed in and around Taptapani. Senior police officers, specialized security teams, and personnel from various security agencies will oversee the arrangements throughout the visit.
The deployment is aimed at ensuring the safety of the President while maintaining law and order across all venues and travel routes.
Emergency Services Exempted
The district administration has clarified that ambulances, fire services, and other emergency response vehicles will remain exempt from all traffic restrictions to ensure uninterrupted emergency services.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with the authorities, follow the prescribed traffic guidelines, avoid restricted routes during the notified hours, and make travel plans in advance to minimize inconvenience.
Officials have further stated that temporary traffic diversions and road closures will be implemented only during the movement of the Presidential convoy, and normal traffic will resume immediately after the convoy passes.
