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.
In the ongoing campaign for the Gujarat elections, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge once again
Russia last night halted attacks for six hours to rescue Indians stranded in Kharkiv, Ukraine. On
Police have registered an FIR against Sourav Garg alias Shaligram, brother of Peethadhishwar Pt.
Washington. US President Donald Trump has called the India-US partnership important in the fight
BJP-Congress Clashed: During the election battle in Karnataka, BJP and Congress leaders have star
Center to set up PM Shri Schools: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday said th
For the last three days, the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant were w
Talks between Azam Khan and Akhilesh Yadav seem to be deteriorating after Samajwadi Party nationa
Chandrayaan 3 Mission: Four years after the failed Chandrayaan 2, Chandrayaan 3 will make its sof
Russia-Ukraine War Impact: The year 2023 is going to be very challenging for the economies of the
