Bhubaneswar, Jan 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Odisha on January 8 for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which is being held in Bhubaneswar.
This marks his first visit to the state in 2025.
According to the itinerary, PM Modi will arrive at Bhubaneswar airport at 8 PM on January 8, traveling aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
After his arrival, he will proceed to Raj Bhawan, where he will spend the night.
The following morning, on January 9, the Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for Janata Maidan at 9:45 AM to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. He is expected to reach the venue by 9:55 AM and participate in the convention from 10:00 AM.
After spending around 90 minutes at the event, PM Modi will head back to Bhubaneswar airport. His return flight to Delhi is scheduled to depart at 11:55 AM, and he is expected to arrive at Delhi airport by 2:20 PM.
Earlier yesterday, the Commissionerate Police rolled out a new helpline ahead of the grand event which is set to take place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10.
The helpline number, 1965, will be available 24/7 throughout the event. He also introduced a special police mascot named HAPFY and a chatbot, both designed to assist with the smooth running of the mega event.
Additionally, about 40 platoons of police personnel will be mobilized across the city to maintain law and order situation along with 100 volunteers, called Pravasi Mitras, assisting with traffic management during the event.
It is worth mentioning that Trinidad and Tobago’s President Christine Carla Kangaloo will be the chief guest at the event.
Notably, the event, which commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915, is an important occasion to honor the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the country’s development.
This year marks the 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and the state government has also issued additional control room numbers—0674 2390411 and 0674 2390811—that will remain operational from January 2 to 11 for any urgent queries related to the event.
