Nov 10
5
Mumbai has turned into a fortress as security personnel today took their positions with a massive three dimensional security – land, air and water, put in place for the US President Barack Obama’s two day visit beginning from tomorrow.
Indian Navy and Coast guard officials have stationed their ships off the shores of Mumbai to secure the coastline even as the warships including US Navy’s Peleliu, an amphibious assault ship, carrying choppers, are in Indian waters off the Mumbai harbour, police said. A massive convoy of Presidential vehicles have been brought here in aircrafts, police said.
According to the final itinerary available with Mumbai Police, Air Force One is scheduled to land at the airport at 12 pm on November 6, following which Obama will fly to INS Shikra in a chopper, before moving on to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. He is expected to leave Mumbai at 1.30 pm the next day.
The Gateway of India sea front was sanitised from today till three days and all the services of the boats have been suspended and anchored at nearby Bhaucha Dhakka.
The Navy and Air Force have intensified patrolling along the Mumbai coastline and its airspace during Obama’s stay. The city’s airspace will be closed half-an-hour before the President’s arrival for all aircraft barring those carrying the US delegation, police said.
Eleven roads close to the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, where Obama will be staying during his visit, will remain closed from Saturday 0600 hours till 1600 hours the next day, police said.