UDUPI: The Udupi district administration has declared a holiday for educational institutions up to high school in three police station limits — Udupi Town, Malpe and Manipal — on Friday in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the district. The decision was issued by Deputy Commissioner T K Swaroopa following a recommendation by Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, who noted that students’ travel could be severely affected due to the extensive security arrangements planned for the Prime Minister’s arrival.
Administration acts on security concerns ahead of PM’s visit
According to officials, heavy traffic restrictions, diversions and crowd management measures will be in place across key routes leading to Udupi. The administration stated that the movement of students may be hindered, especially during peak hours, when security checks will be stringent.
MLA Yashpal Suvarna urged the district administration to consider a broader holiday declaration covering all educational institutions, government offices, private establishments and banks. He argued that people should be given an opportunity to witness the Prime Minister’s visit, which comes after nearly three decades.
However, the administration restricted the holiday declaration only to schools up to high school level within the three police station jurisdictions.
Restricted entry at Sri Krishna Mutt during PM’s programme
The Paryaya Puttige Mutt confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive at Udupi Shri Krishna Sannidhana on Friday to take part in the Lakshakantha Gita Parayana, organised under the Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna Abhiyan of the Udupi Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Mutt. During the event, the Prime Minister will join devotees in Gita Parayana and will address the gathering.
In anticipation of the high-profile visit, the mutt has announced restricted entry for devotees between 8 am and 3 pm on Friday. Regular darshan timings will resume after the Prime Minister’s departure.
In a public statement, the mutt urged devotees to cooperate with the temporary restrictions and to plan their visits accordingly.
Security tightened across Udupi region
Massive security arrangements are underway across the district, with multiple agencies coordinating to ensure smooth crowd movement, traffic control and venue preparedness. Barricading, route sanitisation and deployment of additional personnel are being carried out at strategic points, including Udupi Town, Malpe, Manipal and the approach roads to the Sri Krishna Mutt.
Authorities have appealed to the public to follow traffic advisories and avoid non-essential travel near restricted zones.
Residents prepare for high-profile event
With the Prime Minister visiting Udupi after many years, residents and devotees are expecting significant footfall near the Mutt and adjoining areas. Local traders and community organisations are also preparing for the surge in visitors.
The administration has assured that despite movement restrictions, all arrangements are in place to ensure minimal disruption for the general public while maintaining strict security standards.