Mangaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Mangaluru International Airport on Friday morning to participate in a scheduled governmental programme in Udupi. The visit, part of his one-day tour to the coastal region, drew significant attention from local leaders, administrative officials, and security personnel who gathered at the airport to extend a formal welcome on behalf of the Karnataka government.
Warm reception at Mangaluru airport
The Prime Minister’s aircraft, an Indian Air Force special flight, touched down at 10.25 a.m. As per protocol, a high-level team of state representatives received him on the tarmac. Health and district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao welcomed the Prime Minister with a ceremonial greeting. Senior officials and elected representatives, including MLAs Rajesh Naik and Bhagirathi Murulya, were present as part of the reception committee.
Greater Bengaluru commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Mangaluru police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, and Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner H. V. Darshan were among the key administrative officials stationed at the airport to oversee arrangements. A large contingent of security personnel, both from the Special Protection Group (SPG) and local police, ensured stringent security protocols throughout the airport premises.
Coordination between civil and military authorities
Given that the Prime Minister was travelling via an Indian Air Force aircraft and was scheduled to proceed further in a military helicopter, officials from both defence and civil administration coordinated the logistics in advance. Airport authorities implemented temporary restrictions on civilian movement, ensuring that the Prime Minister’s arrival and departure were handled smoothly.
The Air Force and airport ground staff worked in tandem to facilitate the ceremonial reception, security checks, and parking arrangements for the aircraft. Emergency teams, including medical staff and quick-response units, were stationed at multiple points as part of standard operating procedures for VVIP movement.
Local leadership marks presence
Local MLAs from Dakshina Kannada district, including Rajesh Naik of Bantwal and Bhagirathi Murulya of Sullia, were present to greet the Prime Minister. Their presence reflected the political significance of the visit, coming at a time when developmental projects in the coastal belt—particularly in infrastructure, health, fisheries, and tourism—have been receiving renewed attention from the Centre and state.
The visit also brought together officials from different administrative wings. Greater Bengaluru commissioner Maheshwar Rao’s presence indicated coordination between state-level bureaucrats and district authorities, while police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy personally supervised the security layers deployed inside and outside the airport.
Smooth transition to Udupi
After completing the airport reception formalities, the Prime Minister boarded an Air Force helicopter stationed at a designated helipad area of the airport. He then proceeded to Udupi, where the main programme of the day was scheduled.
Traffic diversions were implemented on the route from Mangaluru to Udupi to ensure smooth aerial and ground movement. Meanwhile, security forces along the coastal belt were placed on high alert, with additional personnel deployed at key junctions in Mangaluru, Udupi, and surrounding regions.
Public anticipation and regional significance
The coastal districts of Karnataka traditionally witness enthusiastic responses during high-profile visits. While the public was not allowed inside the airport for security reasons, groups of supporters gathered along nearby roads, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister’s convoy. Local BJP units also arranged welcome banners at vantage points in Mangaluru and Udupi.
Modi’s visit is being viewed as significant due to the region’s developmental priorities and political landscape. Udupi and Dakshina Kannada are known for their strong civic engagement and active participation in governmental initiatives, making such visits an important platform for highlighting progress and addressing regional aspirations.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Mangaluru and onward travel to Udupi marked the beginning of a closely followed official engagement in coastal Karnataka. With meticulous planning by civil, police, and defence authorities, the visit began smoothly, setting the stage for the day’s programme in Udupi. The event is expected to focus on developmental commitments and government outreach in the coastal belt, reinforcing the region’s importance in Karnataka’s administrative and economic landscape.