Traffic curbs, drone ban: Chennai and Puducherry brace for PM Modi’s high-profile visit

Chennai: Extensive security arrangements have been put in place across Chennai ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with nearly 3,000 police personnel deployed to ensure safety during the high-profile election campaign tour.

According to official sources, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to arrive in Chennai at around 3:20 pm on Friday aboard a special aircraft. Shortly after landing, he will travel by helicopter to Puducherry, where he is set to participate in key election campaign events, including public rallies and voter outreach programmes.

BJP campaign push in Puducherry, Tamil Nadu

The visit is being seen as politically significant, with the Bharatiya Janata Party aiming to strengthen its electoral presence in Puducherry while expanding its influence in Tamil Nadu. Party leaders believe the Prime Minister’s meeting will energise cadres and accelerate campaign momentum in the final phase of electioneering.

After completing his engagements, Modi is expected to return to Chennai by around 6:00 pm. He will stay overnight at a five-star hotel in the Guindy area and later hold a closed-door strategy meeting with senior BJP leaders to review poll preparations, booth-level management, and electoral strategy.

Heavy security across Chennai

Security has been significantly tightened across key locations in Chennai, including the airport, Guindy, and Meenambakkam, following directives from the city police leadership.

Authorities have implemented a multi-layered security grid, with personnel deployed at intervals of nearly every 10 feet along designated routes to ensure maximum surveillance, crowd control, and rapid response capability.

Also Read| Tamil Nadu announces paid leave for Kerala, Puducherry voters ahead of April 9 & 23 polls

High-security “red zones” have been declared in Guindy and Meenambakkam, with strict access restrictions in force. The use of drones has been completely prohibited in these areas as part of precautionary measures.

Traffic curbs, a public advisory issued

Traffic diversions are expected across several parts of Chennai during the Prime Minister’s visit. Police have urged residents and commuters to cooperate with security personnel and follow advisories to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to depart from Chennai at around 1:00 pm for Kerala, where he will continue his election campaign.

The heightened security arrangements underscore the importance of the visit amid ongoing election campaigning in southern India.