President Murmu's Odisha visit: Security tightened across Ganjam
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu is set to undertake a two-day official visit to Odisha's Ganjam district beginning Monday, 3 August, with the state administration completing final preparations and deploying elaborate security arrangements across the travel route.
The President's Itinerary
According to the official schedule, President Murmu will travel from Bhubaneswar to Berhampur by train on 3 August. On arrival at Berhampur Railway Station, she will proceed to Taptapani to offer prayers at the Kandhuni Devi Temple, a revered site in the region. She will then spend the night at the Army AD College in Gopalpur.
On 4 August, the President will return to Bhubaneswar by train before departing for New Delhi later in the day, concluding her Odisha tour.
Security and Logistical Preparations
Senior officials from the district administration, Odisha Police, and the Railways have conducted extensive inspections to review security and logistical arrangements. Berhampur Superintendent of Police Sravana Vivek M. told reporters, 'We are preparing for the President's visit with elaborate security arrangements. As per the President's schedule, we are making arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of her visit. We will also have a rehearsal before the President's visit.'
He added, 'For the places the President will be visiting, our IG gave directions, and we conducted a site visit with the team. Based on the President's security requirements, we are making the necessary security arrangements.'
High-Level Review by Chief Secretary
Preparations were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg, who assessed the state's readiness for the President's visit across the districts of Cuttack, Khurda, and Ganjam. Garg directed all concerned departments to complete arrangements within the stipulated timeframe and ensure close inter-agency coordination.
The Chief Secretary also stressed the importance of maintaining sanitation and cleanliness aboard the President's special train and at both Bhubaneswar and Berhampur railway stations, instructing officials to strengthen security within station premises and ensure seamless arrangements for the train journey.
Significance of the Visit
The visit holds particular significance as President Murmu, who hails from Odisha, is travelling to her home state in an official capacity. Taptapani, known for its hot springs and the Kandhuni Devi Temple, is a culturally important destination in Ganjam district. The multi-district security coordination — spanning Cuttack, Khurda, and Ganjam — underscores the scale of the logistical exercise. All departments and implementing agencies have been directed to work in close coordination to ensure every aspect of the visit is completed on schedule.