Bangalore parade venue turns fortress for I-Day

August 14, 2013

Bangalore, Aug 14: Heightened security measures and close vigil have turned the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here into a fortress for the 67th Independence Day (I-Day) celebrations Thursday.

"Entry of unauthorised persons into the parade ground and assembling of people around the venue have been banned till Thursday evening to secure the area for the Independence Day events," Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Kamal Panth told IANS Wednesday.

Located in the heart of the city across the famous Cubbon Park and popular hangouts like M.G. Road and Brigade Road, the sprawling parade ground has been sanitised for the main I-Day event where Karnataka Chief Minister K. Siddaramaiah will inspect a guard of honour and unfurl the tricolour.

"About 1,200 personnel drawn from various contingents have been deployed in and around the ground to prevent any untoward incident and ensure the event is held peacefully. Police across the city are also on high alert as part of the security drill, with reinforcements at vital installations and in sensitive (VIP) areas," Panth asserted.

As part of the elaborate security arrangements, about 40 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed in and around the venue to monitor movement of people, participants and dignitaries. Special commandos have also been stationed at strategic points at the venue for quick response or emergency rescue operation.

Police and the army, in charge of the parade ground, have pressed into service a bomb squad and sniffer dogs to detect unidentified objects and harmful substances. Metal detectors have been installed at all entry points around the venue for frisking and preventing people from carrying banned items inside.

After flag-hoisting ceremony and delivering the I-Day speech in the presence of Governor H.R. Bhardwaj, cabinet ministers, opposition leaders, defence personnel, officials and special invitees, the chief minister will witness the parade in which about 2,000 personnel, including 56 platoons and police, scouts and guides will participate with their respective music bands in attendance.

About 3,000 schoolchildren will present cultural shows and render patriotic songs.

Besides restricting and regulating traffic movement, police have banned vehicular parking in and 1 km around the ground. Barring a few VIP vehicles, cars or bikes will not be allowed at the venue till the event is over Thursday noon.

"Vehicular traffic will be diverted from the ground for VIP movement and to prevent traffic jam, so the public can easily reach the venue on foot," Panth added.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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