Bhubaneswar: Odisha police and the railway protection force have mounted an elaborate security grid ahead of President Droupadi Murmu’s train journey from Bhubaneswar to Berhampur on Aug 4, stepping up anti‑sabotage checks and intensifying track patrolling along the route.Director general of police Y B Khurania on Friday reviewed the arrangements for the President’s three‑day visit to Odisha from Aug 3, which will cover Khurda, Cuttack and Ganjam districts.According to the itinerary, Murmu will arrive in Bhubaneswar by a special aircraft from New Delhi on Aug 3 afternoon. She will inaugurate Jagadguru Kripalu University at Baanra in Damapada tehsil of Cuttack district before returning to Bhubaneswar for the night.On Aug 4, she is scheduled to board a train to Berhampur. “The rail journey has been planned keeping in view the prevailing monsoon conditions,” a senior govt official said. From Berhampur, she will travel by road to Taptapani to offer prayers at Maa Kandhuni Devi temple and join a tree plantation drive, followed by a visit to Dhabaleswar temple. The President will halt overnight at Berhampur before returning to Bhubaneswar by train on Aug 5 and flying back to New Delhi aboard a special IAF aircraft.DGP Khurania directed all units to strictly adhere to VVIP security protocols. “Nodal officers have been designated to ensure seamless coordination across departments. Anti‑sabotage checks and track patrolling are being treated as top priority,” he said.Officials added that all level crossings along the route will be manned, railway staff on platform duty identified in advance, and duty passes issued to facilitate smooth access. “Drone surveillance and continuous checks of venues and routes are being undertaken to strengthen preparedness,” Khurania said.The DGP stressed that close coordination among police, railways and administrative authorities is critical to ensure a smooth and secure visit. “Every detail is being monitored to guarantee the President’s safety and comfort,” the DGP said.
