Twitter
Advertisement

South Mumbai breathes easy as Obama leaves for Delhi

Over 5,000 security personnel, including US security men, Indian intelligence officials and elite commandos were deployed in south Mumbai alone, as all venues on the itinerary fell in this area, police said.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

South Mumbai, which had turned into a virtual fortress during Barack Obama's visit, today limped back to normalcy as all security restrictions were lifted after he left for the national capital.

"All the restrictions imposed in the view of Obama's visit were lifted as he left the city. We wanted to ensure that no untoward incident with regards to Obama's security take place and we all lived up to everyone's expectations," Mumbai police commissioner Sanjeev Dayal said.

Over 5,000 security personnel, including US security men, Indian intelligence officials and elite commandos were deployed in south Mumbai alone, as all venues on the itinerary of the POTUS fell in this area, police said.

The city had turned into a fortress during the high profile visit. Shops were shut voluntarily by the owners and many people preferred remaining indoors.

As Obama and his wife Michelle visited Taj Mahal hotel, Mani Bhavan, Trident and Mumbai University, Holy Name High school and St Xavier's college, all the roads used by the VVIPs were closed for regular vehicular traffic till the time the entourage passed.

Eleven roads--Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Adam Street, Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, Ramchandani Marg, Bomanji Behram Marg, Henry Road, Steven Street, Battery Street, Navroji Fardunji Road, Mandlik Path and BEST Marg-- that remained closed since Saturday morning were thrown open for public at 1600 hours today.

Some of the shops on these routes were opened and people started gathering at the Gateway of India where entry was restricted till this evening.

"Mumbaikars cooperated with us completely. A series of meetings with US security officials and proper planning has ensure everything went smoothly," Dayal said.

The Gateway of India sea front is accessible now and all the boat services that were suspended till today would resume tomorrow, he added.

Rahul Saxena (22), a resident in south Mumbai, is happy that the restrictions were lifted and he could see the actual 'happening' Mumbai.

"The city that never sleeps is back. The security restrictions have caused us some inconvenience but no complaints," Saxena said.

However, 62-year-old Meher Sanjana, a resident in Prince Court building close to Taj hotel, liked the calm Mumbai as there was no much traffic and no bursting of fire crackers.

"The scenario of South Mumbai took me back to 20 to 30 years back when the vehicular traffic was not much and city was a bit calm. There were no unnecessary honking. I felt great seeing calm Mumbai," she explained.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement