The city of Taj is fast converting into a fortress with US secret service sleuths taking over the reins of the security for the proposed visit of US President Barack Obama on January 27. A 40-member advance team of the US secret service, which swooped down on the city on Monday to take stock of arrangements ahead of President Obama’s visit to the Taj Mahal, continued to assess security arrangements for the second day on Tuesday.
The team members visited the Taj Mahal and met senior officials, the district administration on Monday and have asked the authorities to turn the city into a virtual fortress for the high-profile visit. Another advance team from US will reach here on January 23, which will finalise the schedule and other itinerary of the US President. Police sources said that an extensive security drill would start from Wednesday and will remain in place till the US President departs.
Over 15 companies of the PAC, requisitioned to bolster security in the city, already started reaching Agra on Tuesday. A massive checking drive would be initiated at all entry points to Agra and inter-state borders will be sealed two days before Obama’s arrival. US sleuths have already started installation of equipment at sensitive places while they would be setting up a control room near Taj Mahal.
The Yamuna Expressway - which connects Delhi and Agra - would probably shut down for a day while Obama is in the city. A senior police official said the US team had in fact sought the closure of the Yamuna Expressway for three days but their request had been turned down. “We told them that it is not possible to close a national highway for three consecutive days. However, we will consider shutting it for a day,” official said. The shutting of the expressway is part of a contingency plan being kept ready by Obama’s handlers in case bad weather prevents him from travelling by air.
Flights to Agra will also be curtailed during Obama’s visit and traffic restrictions would be in place on the route that his convoy takes, officials added. Security at the Taj Mahal, the President’s primary destination, would be mainly controlled by the US secret service. Multi-tier security cover would be in place during the visit and only the US secret agencies officials will be allowed in the Red zone. All the rooms of the Five-star hotel Oberoi Amar Vilas have been booked for two days on January 26 and 27 where the US President and his family members would refresh themselves during their visit. The visitors would be able to have a glimpse of Taj from their royal ‘Kohinoor’ suite.
As per the schedule, the US President is likely stay in Agra for two hours and his visit to Taj would be for around 25 minutes. A panel of five expert guides has also been forwarded by the Archeological Survey of India(ASI) who would be assisting the dignitaries to know about the importance of the tomb. District police officials said they would be providing logistical support by setting up a special control room near the monument.