Security arrangements have been intensified across Chandigarh and Panchkula ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day visit, beginning Saturday evening, October 31. The visit comes ahead of Chandigarh Police’s 60th Raising Day celebrations on November 1, during which the force will receive the prestigious President’s Police Colour.
According to the scheduled programme, Shah will arrive at Chandigarh’s airport on Saturday evening and proceed directly to Panchkula, where he will stay overnight. Security agencies and local police have stepped up arrangements along his route and around the designated venues to ensure smooth movement during the visit.
President’s Police Colour to be presented on November 1
On Sunday morning, November 1, Shah will attend the 60th Chandigarh Police Raising Day parade at the Police Lines in Sector 26. He will present the President’s Police Colour to Chandigarh Police on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu.
The honour is considered one of the highest recognitions awarded to a police force in the country. It acknowledges the collective contribution of the force towards maintaining law and order, public safety and effective policing.
Following the parade, Shah will attend another programme at Tiranga Park in Sector 17, where development projects will also be inaugurated and their foundation stones laid.
Nine development projects worth over ₹250 crore
During his visit, the Union Home Minister is scheduled to inaugurate two completed projects and lay the foundation stones for seven new projects. These cover education, public transport, police infrastructure, housing and sports facilities.
The projects include a newly constructed government high school in Sarangpur and a Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) bus depot at Raipur Kalan. Among the proposed projects are a pedestrian underpass connecting Panjab University and PGIMER, residential accommodation for security personnel in Dhanas, a new police station in Sector 49 and a boys' hostel at Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology.
Other proposed works include a gymnasium hall at Post Graduate Government College, Sector 46, an upgrade of the Sector 7 sports complex and 15 security checkpoints at the city's entry points.
The projects were earlier reported to be worth ₹258 crore, while a subsequent report has put their combined value at approximately ₹262 crore.
Traffic diversions announced for October 31 and November 1
Chandigarh Traffic Police has issued a special traffic advisory for October 31 and November 1, with restrictions planned on several major roads due to Amit Shah’s visit and related security arrangements.
On Saturday, October 31, traffic movement will be regulated from 8 PM to 9 PM on three major stretches:
Dakshin Marg: Airport Light Point to Tribune Chowk.
Purv Marg: Tribune Chowk to Transport Light Point.
Madhya Marg: Transport Light Point to Fun Republic Light Point towards Panchkula.
On Sunday, November 1, restrictions will remain in force from 9:30 AM to 4 PM on several routes, including:
Madhya Marg: Fun Republic Light Point to Matka Chowk.
Sector 17: Sector 16/17 Light Point via Lions Light Point to Tiranga Park.
Sector 26: Railway Light Point via Shastri Nagar Light Point to Police Lines.
Police Lines to AP Chowk: The stretch covering St Kabir Light Point, Kishangarh Turn, Sector 5/6–7/8 Chowk (Hira Singh Chowk) and Sector 7/8–18/19 Chowk (AP Chowk).
Purv Marg: Transport Light Point to Tribune Chowk.
Dakshin Marg: Tribune Chowk to Airport Light Point.
Meanwhile, Panchkula Police has also announced restrictions due to the VVIP movement. The routes from Shri Mata Mansa Devi Singh Dwar towards Old Panchkula and from Suraj Cinema in Sector 1 via the PWD Rest House will be affected from 5 PM to 10 PM on October 31 and 7 AM to 11 AM on November 1.
Commuters travelling between Chandigarh, Panchkula, Kalka and Pinjore have been advised to use alternative routes via Housing Board, Sector 17/18 Chowk, Nada Sahib Road and Majri Chowk, depending on their direction of travel.
Additionally, the road from the T-point near BJP Panchkamal office towards Shivalik Country Club and the VIP Gate of Mata Mansa Devi Temple will remain closed from 5 AM to 9 AM on October 31 for the Run for Unity marathon.
Police have advised residents to plan their journeys in advance, avoid affected stretches during the specified hours and follow traffic personnel's instructions. Vehicles parked in no-parking zones, cycle tracks and pedestrian pathways may be towed away.
Traffic restrictions and security arrangements
In view of the VVIP movement, Chandigarh and Panchkula traffic police have issued advisories regarding diversions and restrictions on October 31 and November 1. Commuters have been advised to avoid affected routes and follow alternative routes suggested by the police.
