Mumbai rehearses for Obama visit

Mumbai: First choppers surveying the shore and then a full-blown mock drill in South Mumbai from the helipad where US President Barack Obama will land to his first stop - the Taj Hotel.

Agents from the US secret services, Indian intelligence agencies and the local police participated in this unique security, a drive to gauge how much time the convoy will take to reach the Taj. (Read: 34 warships sent from US for Obama visit)

It's a sign of the tight security to come over the weekend. Colaba and Churchgate, popular tourist haunts, will be virtually sealed. In fact, half an hour before Obama's convoy moves all roads here will be emptied out.

For residents and shopkeepers, this clampdown coming in peak season is definitely not good news.

"This is the weekend during Diwali when we can make some money. But we  have been told to shut shop. We have no problem with his visit. But why should it affect our business?" said a shopkeeper.

"We have absolutely no idea what is the security arrangement. Residents have to carry passes to enter  their own homes but nobody seems to know where to get them," said a Mumbai resident.

When Prime Minister Manmohan Singh went to the US in 2008, he made sure his trip didn't clash with the Christmas celebration, but now that President Obama is coming to Mumbai in the middle of Diwali, public places will be out of bound for revelers, and crackers will be a strict No-No.

"Diwali is one of our most important festivals. Perhaps he should have timed his visit better," said another Mumbai resident.

The festive spirit may be somewhat dampened but Mumbai is gearing up to put its best foot forward.