Kozhikode is buckling up for a night of significant disruptions as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrives Sunday evening, prompting police to implement sweeping traffic restrictions across the city. The measures, affecting key arterial roads, aim to ensure seamless security for the high-profile visit but will likely test the patience of evening commuters.

Key facts

  • Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim arrives at Kozhikode International Airport at 6:30 PM, Sunday, Sept 13
  • Traffic restrictions生效 from 5:00 PM across Kozhikode and adjoining areas
  • Complete road closures on stretches from Vaidyarangadi/Ramanattukara to Malaparamba, and from Malaparamba towards Kunnamangalam and Mavoor
  • Security protocols mirror those for Indian Prime Minister and President

Navigating the Gridlock

Police have charted elaborate diversion plans to manage the flow, but the sheer scale suggests delays are inevitable. Vehicles from Wayanad must enter through Thamarassery, Balussery, Nanminda and Eranhipalam. Koduvally traffic gets rerouted via Padinjarathilam-Kalarikkandi-Varattiyakk-Peringalam, while Mukkam arrivals take the Chettukadavu-Peringalam route.

Perhaps most critically, passengers heading to Calicut International Airport or the railway station have been explicitly advised to leave early. No parking will be permitted on roads between Malaparamba, Kunnamangalam, and Mavoor, and traffic will halt entirely during the movement of the VVIP convoy.

A Evening of Honors

The visit isn’t just about logistics; it’s a moment of cultural and diplomatic significance. Anwar Ibrahim is slated to receive the first ‘Excellence Award’ instituted by the Sheikh Abubakr Foundation during a ceremony at the Markaz from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar will present the award.

Following the event, the Malaysian Prime Minister will visit the C.M. Makham at Madavoor for approximately 20 minutes before retiring to his place of stay by 10 PM.

Unprecedented Security Blanket

The city is under a visibly tightened security cover, with arrangements reportedly on par with those for the highest Indian dignitaries. Intelligence Additional Director General of Police Dinesh Kashyap recently convened with local security officials to fine-tune the plans, underscoring the importance attached to the visit.

For Kozhikode residents, Sunday evening demands planning, patience, and perhaps a deep breath. The honor of hosting a foreign leader comes with the temporary price of tangled traffic.