PM Modi in Thiruvananthapuram, set to commission Vizhinjam international seaport

Heightened security in Thiruvananthapuram for PM Modi's visit to commission Vizhinjam International Seaport, leading to traffic control measures.

Thiruvananthapuram has come under heightened security and traffic control on account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival to commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday.

Mr. Modi arrived at the State capital by evening for a two-day visit. He later headed to the Kerala Raj Bhavan where he will stay overnight. He is expected to commence his journey to Vizhinjam by helicopter around 9.45 a.m.

The visit has prompted a city-wide security blanket, led by the District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) and coordinated by 13 Superintendents of Police.

With the city witnessing a spate of bomb threats of late, the police have adopted strong anti-sabotage measures. Security agencies including the Central Intelligence units have also been monitoring the security scheme.

On Thursday alone, at least five institutions received such messages, prompting anti-sabotage operations. Intensive checks were conducted at the UAE Consulate, Vizhinjam Port, District Court Complex, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and the College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram. All threats have been found to be hoax.

Two days ago, the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport received a bomb threat, prompting the joint combing operation of the premises by the City Police and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

In anticipation of the high-profile event, stringent surveillance is underway across hotels, homestays and lodges. The coastal belt is also under tight watch by the Coastal Police and Coast Guard, while border checkpoints in the city are seeing intensified vehicle inspections.