Grand Preparations Underway Across Steel City

Extensive preparations are in full swing in Rourkela ahead of the visit of President Droupadi Murmu. The city is being beautified with roads and walls along key routes—from the airport ground to Panposh Circuit House and the Tribal Museum—receiving a fresh makeover to welcome the President.

Thousands of Students to Participate in Welcome Ceremony

Arrangements have been made at the airport venue to accommodate around 10,000 students from various government and private schools of Sundargarh and Rourkela. Among them, over 1,500 students will present cultural performances as part of the grand welcome ceremony. Students have been rehearsing regularly, with special measures taken to ensure their safety amid heat and humidity.

Dignitaries Likely to Attend

The event is expected to be attended by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, along with other ministers. Final schedules of the dignitaries are yet to be confirmed.

Multi-Layer Security with 45 Platoons Deployed

A three-tier security arrangement has been put in place for the President’s visit. Around 45 platoons of police force, along with senior officers including DIGs, SPs, and DSPs, will be deployed across key locations such as Space Chowk, Hanuman Vatika, Hockey Chowk, and Circuit House. The entire route from the airport to the event venues will remain under strict security surveillance.

Cultural Showcases at Major Intersections

To manage crowds effectively, authorities have planned welcome events at major intersections instead of a single large gathering. Over 35 cultural groups will perform at locations including Space Chowk, Chhend Chowk, DAV Chowk, Hanuman Vatika, and Hockey Chowk, showcasing Odisha’s rich art and culture.

Lunch and Stay at Panposh Circuit House

President Murmu is scheduled to have lunch at the Panposh Circuit House, where she will stay for nearly two hours. The venue is being specially decorated, and traditional Odia cuisine is likely to be served, with the final menu to be decided shortly before the visit.

Interaction with Delegations

The President is also expected to meet representatives from various cultural, social, voluntary organizations, and political groups from Sundargarh and Rourkela. Over 200 organizations have sought permission to meet her, and a final list is being reviewed by the President’s office.

Administrative Review and Political Coordination

District Collector Dr. Shubhankar Mohapatra and SP Nitesh Wadhwani held discussions with local BJP leaders regarding the visit. Leaders including Batakrishna Mishra, Dhiren Senapati, former MLA Shankar Oram, and others were present. Authorities advised organizing welcome events at designated points rather than at the main stage to ensure smooth management and security.