Obama may Finally see Taj Mahal this time

Agra, Jan 20 (IANS) US President Barack Obama, who could not visit the Taj Mahal during his 2010 India visit due to paucity of time, may not like to miss the 17th century monument of love at least this time when he arrives in the country for the 66th Republic Day.

Sources indicated Tuesday that a Plan B is being drawn up should the sky not be clear and the inclement weather makes a flight to Agra difficult. "In that case the US president may come via the Yamuna Expressway to Agra."

Additional police forces and commandos are being deployed on the Yamuna Expressway which is also being decked up. The 165 km access controlled Expressway links Greater Noida with Agra. The Yamuna Kinara road is being cleaned and painted, in case the Expressway is to be used, a municipal corporation official said.

However the possibility of the VIPs coming by road is remote, a senior police official requesting anonymity said.

Meanwhile, heavy security arrangements have been planned to ensure foolproof security for Obama's Agra visit.

The Agra police hinted Tuesday that at least half a dozen IPS officers will be put in charge of security and traffic management, assisted by 15 assistant superintendent of police (ASPs), 37 deputy superintendent of police (DSPs), 65 inspectors, 100 sub- inspectors, bomb disposal units, dog squads, local intelligence units and Intelligence Bureau (IB) personnel.

Over a 100 anti-terrorism squad (ATS) commandos will be posted on roof tops, at the street corners and other vantage points.

Indications are that all traffic towards the VIP road from the Kheria airport, via the Mall road, towards Fatehabad road turning towards the Shilpgram complex and the Taj Eastern Gate, will be stopped two hours before the arrival of the VIPs.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials said the Taj would be closed only for two hours before Obama's visit, but those in the know claim that entry would be restricted 24 hours ahead of the visit. The entire campus would be taken over by the American security agents' teams.