NEW DELHI: Security was heightened across the national capital on Monday ahead of the arrival of US Vice President J D Vance, his India-origin wife Usha, and their three children — Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel — for a four-day visit to India.
Security officials have conducted mock drills and implemented strict protocols across Delhi in preparation for the high-profile visit.
"We have already conducted mock drills according to the security protocol for the high-level visit of the US vice president. Security has been tightened across different areas of Delhi to ensure that everything goes smoothly and no untoward incident happens during the visit," a senior police official said.
Delhi Traffic Police will ensure clear routes for the vice president's travel throughout the city.
The family's first stop after arrival will be the Akshardham temple, with a possible visit to a shopping complex featuring traditional Indian handcrafted goods.
"We have conducted advanced security liaison at the Akshardham temple, which the US vice president will visit in the evening. We have thoroughly checked the premises and our teams have been deployed on the premises," the official added.
Following their Delhi visit, which concludes Monday night, the vice president and his family will continue their journey to Jaipur and Agra.
Traffic advisory for Delhi:9am to 11 am: - No parking or halting allowed on: Sardar Patel Marg, Gurugram Road, Parade Road, Thimmaiya Marg, Air Force Road, and surrounding areas.
- Towing alert: Improperly parked vehicles will be towed to Kalibari Mandir Marg, in front of Bhairon Temple.
Suggested routes: - For travel between 11 Murti and RML Hospital: Vande Mataram Marg → Dhaula Kuan Flyover → R/A Shankar Road → Talkatora Road → Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman Marg
- For commuters between Delhi Airport and Dhaula Kuan Flyover: Use Rao Tula Ram Marg
11 am to 2 pm: - No parking or halting allowed on: C-Hexagon, Janpath Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Sikandra Road, Firoz Shah Road, MNLP, Vikas Marg, Noida Link Road (Akshardham stretch), and adjacent roads.
Alternate routes Suggested: - From Dr. Rajendra Prasad Marg to Janpath: Use Raisina Road → Windsor Place Roundabout → Ashoka Road → C-Hexagon
- From Connaught Place Outer Circle to Janpath: Use Ashoka Road → C-Hexagon
- From Zakir Hussain Marg to C-Hexagon: Use Mathura Road T-Point
- 11 Murti to RML: Same as above (via Vande Mataram Marg & Talkatora Road).
6 pm to 9 pm: - No parking or halting allowed on: Sardar Patel Marg, Kamal Ataturk Road, Gurugram Road, Parade Road, Thimmaiya Marg, Air Force Road, and nearby stretches.