Roads Diverted, Security Tightened for Netanyahu’s Ahmedabad Visit

Security beefed up in Ahmedabad for the Israeli Prime Minister’s visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

(Photo: PTI)

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be the third world leader to visit Ahmedabad after Chinese Premier Xi Jingping and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Keeping the high-profile visit in mind, the Ahmedabad Police have revamped their security plans.

Netanyahu will arrive at Ahmedabad with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, 17 January, and will set off on a road show from the airport to Sabarmati Ashram.

Security Tightened Along the Route

According to the police, the stretch from the airport to Sabarmati Ashram will be divided into five zones and a Deputy Commissioner of Police-level officer will be in-charge of security in each zone. Israeli and Indian security agencies have already held co-ordination meetings on the same.

Besides, the Quick Reaction Team (QRT), Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), along with Chetak commandos, would be deployed along the route. Armed personnel with snipers would be deployed at strategic locations.

There will be stages set up along the stretch showcasing the cultural heritage of the state. Stringent checks will be conducted, officials said.

Traffic Diversions

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu along with his wife in Taj Mahal.(Photo: ANI)

According to the traffic advisory issued by the Ahmedabad Police, commuters were advised not to use the Sabarmati Eastern Riverfront from Dadhichi bridge and Dufnala to the Airport Circle routes between 7.30 am and noon.

Those going to the airport from Ahmedabad West should take the Sardar Patel Ring Road to Apollo Circle to Indira Bridge to reach the airport. From the eastern parts of the city, one can take Memco to Galaxy underpass to Noblenagar T to Indira Bridge circle to reach the airport.

Those travelling from Gandhinagar can take SG Highway and Narol-Naroda road to the airport.