Lucknow, January 21, 2024 – In anticipation of the consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya, security arrangements on the National Highway 27 (NH27), popularly known as the Ayodhya highway, have been significantly strengthened. The heightened security measures coincide with the movement of several Very Very Important Persons (VVIPs) on the stretch leading to Ayodhya.
The deployment of hundreds of armed police personnel began at the Polytechnic crossing in Lucknow and extends along the Faizabad road, which has been designated as the primary route to Ayodhya. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Upendra Kumar Agarwal, outlined the key routes, including Sultanpur Road via Purvanchal Expressway or Kisan Path, for the convenience of the attendees.
Starting from Saturday, an influx of approximately 700 VIPs and 200 state guests is expected in Lucknow before they proceed to Ayodhya. Among the distinguished guests are renowned Olympians such as Yogeshwar Dutt and Karnam Malleswari, esteemed mountaineer Bachendri Pal, former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, and prominent figures from the entertainment industry including Shankar Mahadevan and producer Vipul Shah. Industrialists Radhey Shyam Goenka and Hari Mohan Bangur are also anticipated to be in attendance.
Highlighting the gravity of the event, a senior officer emphasized that chief justices from various states and nine former chief justices of India would also be present in Lucknow on January 20 and 21.
In preparation for the event, the police have issued specific guidelines to the deployed personnel. Policemen assigned to the route leading to Ayodhya have been instructed to interact cordially with devotees and provide them with necessary information. The directives were discussed in a police briefing led by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) on Thursday. Additionally, measures have been put in place to swiftly remove any vehicles that may break down on the designated routes with the assistance of cranes.
To maintain smooth traffic flow, strict regulations have been imposed. No parking will be allowed on the designated routes, and e-rickshaws are prohibited on main roads. The police force has been directed to prevent any unauthorized parking at major markets along the route, with seventy motorcycle-borne cops deployed for this purpose.
As the nation eagerly anticipates the consecration ceremony, these robust security measures aim to ensure the safety and smooth passage of the esteemed guests and devotees on their journey to Ayodhya.
Sources By Agencies