Srinagar, February 25 – Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan is arriving here on Wednesday evening for his maiden two-day visit to the Kashmir Valley.
Officials said the Vice President will land at the Srinagar Airport in the evening and drive to Lok Bhawan in the Chashma Shahi area of Srinagar city, where he will spend the night.
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will receive the Vice President upon his arrival here.
He will be the chief guest at the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir, which will be held at the Hazratbal campus on Thursday.
The Lt Governor is the Chancellor, while the Chief Minister is the Pro-Chancellor of this university.
Security has been tightened in anticipation of the Vice President's arrival. Security forces have conducted a mock drill of the entire route that the Vice President is scheduled to use during his stay in Srinagar.
Temporary check posts have been set up at various locations while checking vehicles, and the frisking of occupants entering the city has also begun to ensure foolproof security for the VIP.
The traffic department has issued a detailed advisory asking people to strictly follow the alternate routes made available to ensure the smooth passage of the VIP's convoy during the visit.
According to the advisory, no motorist will be allowed to travel towards Nishat, Shalimar, and Harwan and adjacent areas via Badyari Chowk and Gupkar on Thursday. Similarly, traffic movement from Ram Munshibagh towards Hotel Grand Palace will be suspended, and vehicles will be diverted towards Dalgate, Sangermal, and Ikhwan Chowk for onward movement.
Authorities have stated that no traffic will be allowed on the Dalgate, Khayam, Khanyar, Rainawari, Saidkadal, and Hazratbal road stretch during the restriction period. Motorists intending to travel from Harwan, Shalimar, Nishat, Ganderbal, and adjoining areas towards Lal Chowk have been advised to take the Burzahama route via Chandpora, Tailbal, Zakoora, Malbagh, Illahibagh, and 90 Feet Road and vice versa.
Those travelling from Dalgate, Lal Chowk, and nearby areas towards Harwan, Shalimar, and Nishat have been directed to use the Sangermal, Ikhwan Chowk, Nowhatta, 90 Feet, and Malbagh road route to reach their destinations.
Motorists heading towards the Srinagar Airport from Harwan, Shalimar, and Nishat will be permitted to move through Burzahama, Chandpora, Tailbal, Zakoora, Malbagh, Illahibagh, and 90 Feet Road. Vehicles travelling from Panthachowk and Pandrethan towards R M Bagh will be allowed via Peaks Motors Nowgam and the Bypass. Officials have stated that medical emergency cases will be facilitated after due verification.
Citizens requiring assistance may contact the Traffic Police Control Room at 103.
Meanwhile, V.K. Virdi, IGP (Kashmir), conducted a detailed security review meeting of the VIP's visit.
This is C.P. Radhakrishnan’s maiden visit to the union territory as the Vice President of the country.
