Kochi, 28 Feb (H.S.): Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan will arrive in Kochi today for a two-day official visit, during which he will participate in key public events in Ernakulam, Changanassery and Thrissur districts. Elaborate security arrangements and traffic regulations have been put in place in view of the visit.

The Vice President is scheduled to land at Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, at 2:10 p.m., where he will be received with official honours by representatives of the Kerala government. From the airport, he will proceed to Changanassery to attend the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations of St. Berchmans (S.B.) College. The event marks the culmination of year-long celebrations commemorating the institution’s 100 years of academic service.

After the function, the Vice President will return to Kochi for an overnight stay. On Sunday at 11 a.m., he will attend the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Nadathara Gana Ashramam in Thrissur. Following the programme, he is expected to depart from Nedumbassery airport at around 1:30 p.m.

In connection with the Vice President’s visit, the Kochi City Police have announced traffic restrictions in several parts of the city. Regulations will be in force today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., coinciding with the movement of the VVIP convoy.

Traffic control and drone restrictions will apply in areas including Willingdon Island, Naval Base, Thevara, M.G. Road, Banerji Road, Park Avenue Road and Shanmugham Road, particularly along the stretch from Vathuruthy Junction to High Court Junction.

Vehicles travelling from Fort Kochi and Mattancherry towards High Court Junction, Container Road and Edappally will be diverted via Thoppumpady BOT Bridge, Alexander Parambithara Bridge, Kundannoor Junction, Vyttila, Kadavanthra and K.K. Road. Alternatively, commuters may use the Fort Kochi–Vypin Junkar ferry service.

Similarly, vehicles from Vypin heading towards Fort Kochi and Mattancherry will be rerouted through High Court Junction, Kaloor, Kadavanthra, Vyttila and Kundannoor. Small vehicles from the Thevara ferry area bound for Kaloor and Edappally must use Pandit Karuppan Road via Mattammal Junction and Panampilly Nagar.

Authorities have advised the public to plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with traffic officials to avoid inconvenience during the VVIP movement.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman