Mangaluru: A high-level coordination meeting was convened at Mangaluru International Airport in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled arrival on 28 November, as preparations intensified to ensure foolproof security and seamless logistics before his onward journey to Udupi.

SPG leads review of security arrangements

Senior officials of the Special Protection Group (SPG) presided over the meeting, reflecting the heightened security protocol surrounding the Prime Minister’s visit. The session brought together Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V, City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H, senior district administration officers, representatives of the airport authority, CISF personnel, and officials from various police wings.

The SPG team reviewed the preparedness measures in detail, holding discussions on route security, access control, emergency response arrangements, and communication coordination between the involved agencies. Officials were directed to ensure that all procedures and installations adhere strictly to the SPG’s standard operating protocols.

Detailed schedule of PM Modi’s arrival

According to the itinerary shared during the meeting, the Prime Minister is expected to depart from New Delhi at 8:15 am on 28 November. His flight is scheduled to land at Mangaluru International Airport at 11:05 am. On arrival, he will immediately board an Indian Air Force helicopter to depart for Udupi, where he is slated to attend a programme.

Following the event in Udupi, PM Modi will return to Mangaluru Airport at 2:10 pm. After the brief stopover, he will proceed onwards to Goa for the next engagement in his travel schedule.

The precise timings have prompted agencies to initiate early preparations to avoid any last-minute complications. Authorities are ensuring that all personnel involved in handling VVIP movements are well-briefed about the timings and responsibilities assigned to them.

Emergency and logistical preparations underway

As per directives from the SPG, the district and airport authorities have initiated a series of preparatory actions. Ambulances, fire tenders, medical response units, and technical support teams have been stationed at strategic points within and outside the airport premises.

Officials confirmed that contingency plans for potential emergency scenarios have been drafted and shared across departments. These include rapid evacuation routes, communication protocols between ground teams and air traffic control, and deployment of additional personnel for crowd management.

To ensure uninterrupted operations, airport authorities have been instructed to maintain strict access control. Only personnel with verified credentials will be allowed within restricted zones during the Prime Minister’s arrival and departure.

Highway to be kept clear as a precaution

Although the Prime Minister will be travelling to Udupi by helicopter, the SPG has mandated that the national highway stretch between Mangaluru and Udupi be kept clear and maintained in good condition as a precautionary measure. This ensures that an alternative land route remains available should weather conditions or other factors necessitate a change in travel plans.

Local police units are coordinating traffic diversions and monitoring vehicle movement along the route. Heavy vehicles may be temporarily regulated, depending on final instructions issued closer to the visit.

Coordination between agencies strengthened

One of the key focuses of the meeting was inter-agency coordination. The SPG emphasised the need for clear communication channels among the police, CISF, airport security, medical teams, and district administration. Joint drills and spot inspections are expected to be conducted in the run-up to the visit to ensure flawless execution.

Officials also briefed participating teams about designated holding areas, emergency medical posts, security perimeters, and vehicle movement plans. Airport authorities were instructed to keep all essential facilities in readiness, including backup power supply units, airport firefighting systems, and surveillance monitoring rooms.

Conclusion

With just days left for the Prime Minister’s visit, the administration in Mangaluru and Udupi is working in close alignment with the SPG to implement stringent security and logistical measures. The review meeting marks a significant step in ensuring that the VVIP movements on 28 November proceed smoothly, safely, and without disruptions. As preparations intensify, authorities are expected to continue inspections and fine-tuning of arrangements to meet national-level security standards.