25,000 security personnel, 1,000 buses to ferry guests: Stage set for Delhi CM’s swearing-in today

Next to him, 15-year-old Kailash, a resident of Mandawali, is climbing up the boundary wall of the Maidan to put up BJP flags. “I get Rs 500 for putting up flags. I am sitting at home, so I earn some pocket money this way,” he said.

Dignitaries ranging from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states, central cabinet ministers and special invitees such as community leaders from across the slum clusters in the Capital are expected to be in attendance

According to a senior Delhi Police officer, 25,000 personnel will be deployed across Central, North and New Delhi areas. At Ramlila Maidan, 5,000 security personnel will be deployed to manage the event. “Three agencies — the Special Protection Group, The National Security Guard and the Law and Order unit — will be looking after security in and around the venue while Traffic Police will monitor parking of all vehicles. Besides, 20 companies of paramilitary forces, each comprising 90 personnel, will also be present to assist in maintaining law and order in the area,” the officer said.

A total of 3,000 Delhi Police personnel would be present at the site — 2,000 from the Central district and another 1,000 from other districts,” another senior officer said.

“Fifteen DCP- and Additional DCP-rank officials will also be present,” he added.

The whole area would be divided into 10 zones, six inside the ground and four outside, with a DCP-rank officer in charge of each. “One zone would be divided into two to three sectors, with each being led by an ACP-rank officer,” the senior police officer said.

There will be around 1,000 buses to ferry guests — up to 50,000 people are expected,” the officer said. Other security measures include 100-plus metal detectors at all gates and drones for aerial monitoring.

On the three-stage setup, the officer said the main stage, in the middle, is likely to be occupied by the PM, the Home Minister, and the Chief Minister of Delhi. “Alongside this, there would be tents where Police Control Rooms and green rooms would be set up,” the officer said.

For parking, there will be three designated points for all guests. “Buses ferrying guests will be parked near Rajghat. VIP vehicles, including those belonging to MPs and MLAs, would be parked at the Civic Centre. VVIP vehicles will have parking space inside the venue,” a senior Delhi Police officer said.

The officer also said there are four designated gates at the Maidan for VVIPs. “VVIPs will enter the ground from the Turkman Gate side, while others will be allowed entry from the Ajmeri Gate side.”

Parking and traffic arrangements have been undertaken keeping in mind the board exams of CBSE students scheduled on Thursday.

“Most exams are expected to start by 10.30 am. The crowd would start coming in by 10 am. So extra traffic personnel would be present on routes that lead to nearby schools to ensure students face minimum hassle,” the officer said.