India: Increased security, traffic disruptions, protests certain in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh State, during prime minister's visit Nov. 11-12

Event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh State, Nov. 11-12. He will arrive at around 19:25 Nov. 11 and inaugurate developmental projects at the Andhra University Engineering College grounds from 10:30 Nov. 12. Over 200,000 people, including several dignitaries like Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, will join the event. The Communist Party of India (CPI) plans to hold protests denouncing central government policies during the visit, while unionized workers of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant have called for a shutdown strike in the city to oppose privatization plans. Low to moderate levels of support are likely for the actions; significant disruptions or violence are unlikely.

A heightened security deployment is certain at event venues and routes used by Prime Minister Modi. Officials are imposing traffic restrictions along roads connecting Maddilapalem to Asilametta, Hanumanthuwaka, and Sathyam junctions, as well as routes connecting Jodugullapalem Beach Road to Hanumanthuwaka Junction and RK Beach Road. Officials may reroute or curtail public transport serving the affected areas. Commercial disruptions are possible due to the closure of local businesses supporting the strike call and/or employees' difficulties to reach workplaces.

Advice

Exercise caution in the affected area. Confirm business appointments, road status, and transport reservations in Visakhapatnam Nov. 12. Plan for travel delays and possible business disruptions. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all security and traffic advisories.