International Yoga Day: Visakhapatnam Police impose strict traffic, drone restrictions

ANI June 18, 2025 401 views

Visakhapatnam is gearing up for massive International Yoga Day celebrations with 5 lakh participants expected. The police have imposed strict traffic restrictions on Beach Road and banned drones near sensitive areas. Over 9,500 personnel will be deployed to manage the event. The city is the national host for this year's celebrations, reflecting India's "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" vision.

"Five lakh people will participate in the World Yoga Day celebration. We are making arrangements accordingly." – Sanka Batra Bagchi, City Police Commissioner
Visakhapatnam, June 18: Ahead of the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21, the Visakhapatnam City Police imposed traffic and drone restrictions, where around 5 lakh people were expected to participate.

Key Points

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5 lakh expected at Visakhapatnam Yoga Day event

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9,500 police deployed for security

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Beach Road traffic banned June 20-21

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Drones prohibited near sensitive zones

The city authorities put in place elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the event on June 21.

Confirming the scale of the event, City Police Commissioner Sanka Batra Bagchi said, "Five lakh people will participate in the World Yoga Day celebration. We are making arrangements accordingly."

As part of the preparations, the police enforced vehicle movement restrictions on key routes, especially near the Beach Road area, from June 20 afternoon till the evening of June 21.

"There are traffic restrictions in Visakhapatnam from today till the evening of the 21st. There will be restrictions on the movement of vehicles on Beach Road from NTR Circle to Park Hotel," the commissioner said.

He also advised residents to use alternative routes and added, "City residents should use alternative routes on Beach Road. There will be restrictions on the movement of vehicles from Park Hotel to Bhimili Beach."

Special routes were designated for buses coming from nearby districts. "Buses coming from Vizianagaram for the celebration should come towards Boyapalem. Buses coming from the Alluri district for the celebration should come from Vepagunta," the police announced.

Heavy vehicles were barred from entering specific stretches: "From 20 noon to 21 night, heavy vehicles from Srikakulam should not come towards Thagarapu Valasa-Anandapuram. From Anakapalle to Anandapuram, you have to go towards Srikakulam," police said.

A police deployment of 9,500 personnel was arranged to maintain order during the large-scale event. The commissioner confirmed, "About 9500 police personnel will be on duty."

Authorities also banned the use of drones in specific zones to avoid any security concerns. "No drones of any kind should be flown on the 20th and 21st of this month," the police stated.

The ban applied within a 5-kilometer radius of sensitive locations including INS Chola, Andhra University grounds, Kali Mata temple, and INS Kalinga.

As India prepares to mark a decade of the International Day of Yoga (IDY), the city of Visakhapatnam, chosen as the national host for the 11th edition, witnessed a comprehensive field visit and high-level review meeting by senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Andhra Pradesh, said a statement.

As June 21 approaches, Visakhapatnam stands ready to showcase how yoga can bridge communities, enhance well-being, and reflect India's commitment to "Yoga for One Earth, One Health."

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Great initiative by Vizag police! With 5 lakh people expected, these restrictions are necessary for smooth conduct. Yoga Day puts India on global map 🇮🇳. Just hope they provide proper drinking water facilities in this summer heat.
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate the yoga promotion, the traffic restrictions will cause major inconvenience to daily commuters. Couldn't they choose a less busy location than Beach Road? Still, proud to see India leading in yoga diplomacy.
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Ananya P.
As a Vizag resident, I'm excited but also worried about the arrangements. 9500 police personnel sounds impressive, but hope they manage crowd control properly. The drone ban makes complete sense given security concerns near naval installations.
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Vikram J.
Yoga is our ancient gift to the world! But I wonder if spending so much resources on one-day event is justified when many lack basic healthcare. Couldn't we promote daily yoga in schools instead of mega events?
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Sunita M.
The alternative routes mentioned are quite far for locals. Hope the police show some leniency for emergency vehicles. Otherwise, great to see Andhra hosting this national event - our state needs more such positive visibility!
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Karthik R.
"Yoga for One Earth, One Health" - what a beautiful theme! 👏 The world needs this message more than ever. Though I won't be in Vizag, will definitely join local celebrations in my city. Proud moment for all Indians!

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International Yoga Day Visakhapatnam traffic restrictions drone ban Sanka Batra Bagchi Beach Road