Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu Begins Six-Day Odisha Visit

Bhubaneswar: President of India Droupadi Murmu is set to arrive in Bhubaneswar this evening, marking the beginning of her six-day official visit to Odisha, officials said.

Murmu is scheduled to participate in programmes across five districts — Puri, Khordha, Balasore, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj — during her tour.

Security has been significantly reinforced in Bhubaneswar ahead of the President’s arrival. Murmu is expected to land at Biju Patnaik International Airport at 6:40 pm today. A no-fly zone has been declared around Lok Bhawan, which remains on high alert.

Authorities have deployed around 32 platoons of security forces, including specialized units to ensure smooth movement and safety. The security detail comprises 4 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), 5 Additional DCPs, 23 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), 33 Inspectors, and 121 Sub-Inspectors/ASIs, along with the Special Tactical Unit (STU) and 52 women constables. Additionally, traffic along the President’s routes will be managed by 10 platoons of personnel. A mock security drill was conducted on Sunday evening to assess readiness from the airport to Lok Bhawan and Jharpada Chowk.

President Murmu’s tour will officially commence with a visit to Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur, where she is expected to offer prayers today. On February 3, she will spend over 1.5 hours at the temple before travelling to Balasore. In Balasore, she will attend the 12th convocation ceremony of Fakir Mohan University and interact with graduating students. Later in the evening, she will reach Puri and stay overnight.

On February 4, the President will be welcomed at Singhadwara of Shree Jagannath Temple by the Gajapati Maharaja and officials. She will offer prayers to Lord Jagannath and perform Pinda Daan at Swetaganga. The day will conclude with her visit to Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj, where she will address the public and inaugurate development projects.

The following day, Murmu will visit the Jagannath Temple in Rairangpur and then proceed to Similipal Tiger Reserve via Jashipur, where she will stay overnight. Her engagements there include interaction programmes with tribal women and youth from the Similipal region, focusing on community engagement and inclusive development.

Traffic restrictions remain in force across key routes in Bhubaneswar to facilitate the President’s movements.