Traffic curbs in city, special parking arrangements for Navy Day celebrations

The Thiruvananthapuram City Police have announced extensive traffic regulations and parking arrangements in connection with the Indian Navy Day operational demonstration at Shanghumughom on December 3.

According to District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram City) Thomson Jose, the city will come under a tight security blanket as it awaits the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu. Nearly 3,000 police personnel will be deployed across the State capital as part of the security arrangements.

A large public turnout is expected for the event commencing at 4.30 p.m.

Traffic restrictions and diversions will come into force in the city from 12 p.m. on account of the programme. Rehearsals for the event will also be held from December 1 evening, during which certain traffic restrictions will remain in place.

Only vehicles with valid entry passes will be allowed towards Shanghumughom through designated routes via Chakka, Vallakkadavu, Kulathoor, Kumarapuram and Madhavapuram. All such vehicles will be subject to pass verification and allowed entry only as per parking availability.

Vehicles of special invitees and media personnel must reach the Chakka-All Saints route one hour before the programme begins, following which they will be escorted to prescribed parking zones via designated corridors.

For the general public attending the programme without passes, special parking facilities have been arranged at multiple locations across the city, including Greenfield Stadium, Karyavattom University College ground, MG College ground, Poojappura Ground, Jimmy George Indoor Stadium, Water Authority compound at Vellayambalam, Killipalam School ground, Putharikandam Maidan, Lulu Mall parking area, Anayara World Market and Karikkakom temple premises. Vehicles parked elsewhere will be towed and legal action will be initiated, Mr. Jose cautioned.

The district authorities have arranged KSRTC shuttle bus services from all designated parking grounds to Vettucaud and Shanghumughom to facilitate the movement of spectators. The bus services will operate from 1 p.m. onwards on December 3 by collecting a nominal fixed ticket charge. Return services will also be provided after the event from Vettucaud back to the respective parking points.

Special instructions have also been issued for passengers travelling to the domestic and international airports. Airport-bound vehicles are advised to use alternative routes via Vellayambalam, Chakka flyover, Enchakkal and Vallakkadavu. International airport-bound vehicles should proceed via the Chakka – Ananthapuri Hospital route and keep valid flight tickets ready for verification by police personnel.