Suvendu Adhikari Swearing-In Today: Kolkata Under Heavy Security, Drone Ban and Traffic Curbs in Place for PM

Heavy security has been planned in Kolkata for the swearing-in of Suvendu Adhikari as West Bengal Chief Minister at Brigade Parade Ground on 9 May at 10 am, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several BJP chief ministers expected to attend the high-profile ceremony.

Kolkata Police has drawn up strict protection plans for the event, citing the presence of many VVIPs and dignitaries. Multi-layered security rings have been placed around Brigade Parade Ground and along main approach roads, while additional personnel have been deployed at vulnerable points and key intersections across central Kolkata.

Kolkata Police security measures and airspace restrictions Today

Among the most prominent Kolkata Police security measures is a temporary ban on aerial activity near the venue on Saturday. Drones, UAVs, balloons, gliders and non-scheduled aircraft are barred within a 3-km radius of Brigade Parade Ground, up to 500 metres altitude, between 6 am and 6 pm, as part of efforts to prevent potential threats.

Police officials said these Kolkata Police security measures are designed to reduce risks from aerial surveillance tools and any unauthorised flights. The restrictions will apply during the main oath-taking window and surrounding hours, when movement of VVIP convoys, security teams and support staff is expected to be at its peak around central Kolkata.

Kolkata Traffic and Road Diversions

The Kolkata Police security measures also cover movement on city roads. Traffic will be regulated on important stretches in central Kolkata, including the Esplanade ramp, Khiddirpore Road, Hospital Road, Casuarina Avenue and Queens Way, with commuters asked to follow official advisories to avoid long delays and congestion near Brigade Parade Ground.

Goods vehicles have been barred from operating within city limits between 4 am and 8 pm on 9 May, as part of broader Kolkata Police security measures. However, trucks and vans carrying medicines, vegetables, milk and oxygen will be allowed, so that supplies of essential items remain unaffected during the swearing-in ceremony and related security arrangements.

Parking near the event location has also been tightly controlled under the Kolkata Police security measures. Stopping and parking will be restricted around Victoria Memorial and on nearby stretches, including Cathedral Road, Queens Way and Lovers Lane, to maintain clear corridors for emergency vehicles and VVIP convoys moving to and from Brigade Parade Ground.

Suvendu Adhikari, who is credited by party leaders with leading the Bharatiya Janata Party to a decisive victory over the All India Trinamool Congress, is scheduled to take oath in front of national and state leaders, with the Kolkata Police security measures intended to ensure the high-profile event proceeds without disruption or security incidents.