Bengaluru: For the first time, members of the public can obtain an e-pass online to attend the 79th Independence Day celebrations in Bengaluru, Chief Commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Maheshwara Rao, announced on Wednesday.

Rao, speaking alongside Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh at a press briefing, said the city is preparing for the state-level ceremony to be held on 15 August at Field Marshal Manik Shah Parade Ground, Cubbon Road.

“Earlier invitations were distributed by government officials to special invitees and to those involved in the ceremony. Now, people can obtain an e-pass from the Seva Sindhu website (www.sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in),” the commissioner explained.

What other viewing options are available?

A live telecast of the programme will be available on Doordarshan. The public viewing gallery at the venue has been expanded to allow more people to witness the event in person, Rao said.

What will happen on Independence Day?

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will hoist the national flag, inspect the parade in an open jeep, and receive the guard of honour, before delivering his Independence Day message.

According to Police Commissioner Singh, ground-level security checks are already underway.

“Police have been deployed on guard duty at the ground for the last 15 days. They are also checking all the hotels, lodges and rest houses for any suspicious activities,” he stated.

CCTV cameras, baggage scanners, door frame metal detectors, and hand-held metal detectors have been installed around the ground to monitor the event closely.

What guidance has been given to attendees?

Singh appealed to those holding green passes (e-passes) to enter through Gate No. 05 from the Manipal Centre side via Cubbon Road.

He also urged the public not to carry unnecessary baggage or items.

“Even essential items like mobile phones, water bottles, helmets, cameras, radios and umbrellas are best left behind to facilitate quick entry into the venue,” he said.

What traffic arrangements should people be aware of?

Bengaluru Traffic Police have asked the public to use public transport and the metro service as much as possible due to limited parking space at Manik Shah Parade Ground and surrounding areas.

Parking will be prohibited at Central Street (from Anil Kumble Circle to Shivajinagar Bus Stand), Cubbon Road (from CTO Circle to KR Road and Cubbon Road Junction), and MG Road (from Anil Kumble Circle to Trinity Circle), according to a traffic advisory issued on Wednesday.
PTI inputs