Thiruvananthapuram: Traffic restrictions have been imposed in the state capital on Thursday and Friday in connection with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Shankumugham–Airport stretch and the Putharikandam–East Fort (Kizhakke Kotta) stretch have been declared temporary red zones during these days.

The use of drones and drone cameras, flying of kites and balloons, and the use of laser beam lights within a two-kilometre radius have been prohibited.

Parking will be completely banned on the Airport–Pettah–General Hospital–Statue–Pazhavangadi–Choorakkattupalayam and Eanchakkal–Sreekanteswaram Park–Powerhouse routes from 7 am to 2 pm on Friday. Illegally parked vehicles will be removed using recovery vehicles.

On Friday, from 10 am to 11 am and from 12 noon to 1 pm, traffic diversions will be in place. Vehicles from the Airport side via Shankumugham should use the Valiyathura Ponnara Bridge. Vehicles from Vettukadu and Veli via All Saints should take the Madhavapuram–Venpalavattom route. Vehicles from Kazhakoottam to Chacka should take the Venpalavattom–Kumarapuram–Pattom–Kowdiar route. Vehicles from the PMG side via Palayam should take the Public Library–Panchapura route. Vehicles heading east from Thampanoor via the overbridge should use the Choorakkattupalayam–Killipalam–Attakulangara route. Vehicles heading east from Attakulangara via East Fort should take the Killipalam or Eanchakkal route.

Participants attending the public meeting at Putharikandam Maidan on Friday should drop passengers at Killipalam, Attakulangara and Sreekanteswaram Park. Large vehicles should be parked at Attukal Parking Ground, Homeo College Parking Ground, Chala School Ground, Poojappura Ground and Kowdiar Salvation Army School Ground. Small vehicles should be parked at Fort School Ground, Manjalikulam Ground and Attakulangara Government Central School Ground.

Passengers travelling to the airport and railway station are advised to make arrangements in advance. The public can contact 0471 2558731 and 94979 30055 for traffic updates.

PM Modi visit: Both events to be held at Putharikandam

Both events that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend in Thiruvananthapuram on January 23 will be held at Putharikandam Maidan, resolving earlier uncertainty over venue selection.

The announcement of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s development plan and the inauguration of railway projects will take place on the same day. Since government and party events cannot be held together at one venue, the Railways had sought permission to hold the railway programme at the Central Stadium.

However, the government said the stadium could not be vacated due to Republic Day preparations. It was therefore agreed to hold the railway event at Putharikandam as well. Two separate venues will be set up at the ground for the two events. The timings are yet to be finalised.