You Can't See President Obama's Convoy, Says Delhi Police

New Delhi: As US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama left the Delhi airport in their special car, called the Beast, on Sunday and headed to the city to begin their three-day visit, the entire route was shut down. The Obamas' convoy was blocked from the view of the media and the public by strategically placed buses.

The Delhi police said cameras would not be allowed to capture the stretch where the convoy would pass. The same protocol is followed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received the Obamas at the airport today, in a departure from protocol. The area around the airport was cordoned off for about 25 minutes after the Obamas left.

There is unprecedented security in the capital and movement through the city was virtually impossible because of traffic restrictions.

For President Obama, who is the chief guest of tomorrow's Republic Day celebrations, security agencies in New Delhi have extended the 300 km no-fly zone during the Republic Day to a radius of 400 km this year, covering cities such as Jaipur in the west, and Agra, and extending to the border with Pakistan.

While a no-fly zone bars commercial flights during the two-hour procession, the programme wraps up with a fly-past by military planes.

A seven-layer security ring with 50,000 personnel, including 500 US Secret Service Agents, is part of President Obama's security detail.

15,000 CCTV cameras have been installed in Central Delhi including high-definition license-plate recognition cameras.

Snipers will be deployed at more than 70 high-rise buildings around central Delhi and no pillion riding will be allowed on motorcycles and scooters.

Several metro stations and all buildings in central Delhi will be closed to public.