VP Radhakrishnan in Coimbatore Wednesday to inaugurate GKNM Nursing College
Synopsis
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan's one-day visit to Coimbatore to inaugurate the GKNM Nursing College has triggered one of the city's most extensive security deployments in recent months — Red Zones spanning 13 localities, a drone ban running 48 hours, and a police presence along every stretch of his convoy route.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the GKNM Nursing College at GKNM Hospital, Papanaickenpalayam , on Wednesday, 21 July at 5 p.m.
He will travel from New Delhi by special flight and return the same evening via Coimbatore International Airport .
Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Kannan is overseeing security, with large-scale personnel deployment across the city.
A drone and UAV ban is in effect from 11 a.m.
Thursday ; violators face strict legal action.
Red Zones have been declared across 13-plus localities including Uppilipalayam, Avinashi Road, Peelamedu, and the GKNM Hospital premises.
Traffic diversions are expected along the convoy route; motorists advised to follow police advisories.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to arrive in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday, 21 July, to formally inaugurate the GKNM Nursing College at GKNM Hospital in Papanaickenpalayam. The city has been placed under an extensive security cover ahead of the high-profile constitutional visit, with authorities declaring multiple localities as Red Zones and imposing a drone ban across key stretches.
The Inauguration Programme
The inaugural ceremony is set to commence at 5 p.m. at the GKNM Hospital campus. The Vice President will fly in from New Delhi on a special flight before proceeding to the venue, where he will inaugurate the nursing college and address an audience comprising senior medical professionals, educationists, public representatives, and invited guests. Following the event, Radhakrishnan will travel by road to Coimbatore International Airport and return to New Delhi later the same evening.
Security Arrangements Across the City
Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Kannan is personally overseeing security operations for the visit. A large contingent of police personnel has been deployed along the Vice President's convoy route, at the event venue, and at other strategic points across the city. Authorities have declared several areas as Red Zones, including Uppilipalayam, Race Course, Avinashi Road, Lakshmi Mills Junction, the GKNM Hospital premises, HOBS, CODISSIA, Peelamedu, Chitra, Nehru Nagar, Kalapatti, Chinniyampalayam, and nearby localities.
Drone Ban and Restricted Zones
As part of the security protocol, a temporary ban on drones and all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) came into effect at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and will remain in force until 11 a.m. on Thursday. Police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the restrictions. Officials confirmed the measures are standard protocol for visits by constitutional dignitaries.
Traffic Advisories for Residents
Traffic movement along the Vice President's convoy route is expected to be regulated during the visit. Motorists have been advised to cooperate with traffic police and follow diversions and advisories issued by authorities. This is described as one of the most comprehensive security deployments seen in Coimbatore in recent months, according to officials.
Significance of the GKNM Nursing College
The inauguration of the GKNM Nursing College is expected to bolster nursing education and healthcare training infrastructure in the Coimbatore region. The college is housed within the established GKNM Hospital campus in Papanaickenpalayam, positioning it to draw on existing clinical facilities for hands-on training. The event underscores a broader push to strengthen allied health education in Tamil Nadu.
Point of View
But the 48-hour drone ban covering 13-plus localities raises the question of proportionality. As cities like Coimbatore grow into tier-2 economic hubs, the frequency of such high-security visits will only increase, making a standing protocol for minimising civilian disruption increasingly necessary.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Coimbatore under high alert on 21 July?
Coimbatore is under high alert due to the scheduled visit of Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is arriving on Wednesday to inaugurate the GKNM Nursing College at GKNM Hospital in Papanaickenpalayam. Authorities have deployed extensive security as part of standard protocol for constitutional dignitaries.
What is the GKNM Nursing College inauguration?
The GKNM Nursing College is a new nursing education institution being inaugurated at the GKNM Hospital campus in Papanaickenpalayam, Coimbatore, on 21 July. The college is expected to strengthen nursing and healthcare training facilities in the region.
Which areas are declared Red Zones in Coimbatore?
The notified Red Zone areas include Uppilipalayam, Race Course, Avinashi Road, Lakshmi Mills Junction, GKNM Hospital premises, HOBS, CODISSIA, Peelamedu, Chitra, Nehru Nagar, Kalapatti, Chinniyampalayam, and nearby localities.
How long will the drone ban in Coimbatore last?
The ban on drones and unmanned aerial vehicles came into effect at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and will remain in force until 11 a.m. on Thursday. Police have warned of strict legal action against violators.
Will traffic be affected in Coimbatore during the VP's visit?
Yes, traffic movement along the Vice President's convoy route will be regulated during his visit. Motorists have been advised to cooperate with traffic police and follow any diversions or advisories issued by authorities.
