Coimbatore, 16 Oct (H.S.):A Rs 300-crore library and knowledge centre will be inaugurated by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay here on Friday, marking his first participation in a government function in Coimbatore since taking office.

The opening of Periyar Arivulagam will be accompanied by development announcements and a 10-km roadshow along Avinashi Road to Gandhipuram. Extensive security arrangements and preparations have been made across the route ahead of the visit.

Built over 1.98 lakh sq ft, the seven-storey complex houses more than one lakh books. It also includes a science centre and dedicated facilities for students, bringing reading resources and learning spaces together within the same campus.

Vijay is scheduled to reach Coimbatore airport from Chennai on a special flight at 11 am and proceed to the library complex for the inauguration.

At the venue, the Chief Minister is expected to unveil a statue of social reformer Periyar. The programme will also include the inauguration of completed development works in Coimbatore district and the laying of foundation stones for new projects.

Welfare assistance will be distributed to beneficiaries as part of the government function. The library opening, project launches and assistance distribution form the main components of his official engagements in the city.

More than 2,000 police personnel will be deployed between the airport and the library complex. Barricades have been installed on both sides of Avinashi Road as part of arrangements for the Chief Minister’s movement and roadshow.

Drone operations have been prohibited in the area during the visit. Roads along the route have been repaired, while the complex has been landscaped with lawns and illuminated ahead of its opening.

Following the inauguration, Vijay is scheduled to travel by helicopter to Thrissur. He will subsequently return to Coimbatore and leave for Chennai by flight, concluding his visit to the city.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman