The much-anticipated launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme is set to take place on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Baliyatra Lower Ground in Cuttack, Odisha.
The grand event will include Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and a host of other prominent ministers and dignitaries from both the central and state governments. Organized with meticulous planning, the ceremony promises to be a landmark moment for healthcare accessibility in the region.
A massive stage has been erected at the Baliyatra Lower Ground, accompanied by a nearby helipad to facilitate the arrival of VIPs. The venue is designed to accommodate approximately 30,000 attendees, with seating arrangements under three large tents or hangars. The event will feature a significant gathering of VVIPs on the stage, VIPs in front, and the general public in the designated areas. Following the program, dignitaries will travel back via the Bhubaneswar National Highway, with comprehensive security measures in place along the route.
To ensure the safety of all attendees, the Commissionerate Police has deployed an extensive security apparatus. Approximately 40 platoons of police personnel—equating to 1,200 constables—will be stationed across the venue and surrounding areas.
This includes 200 APR constables, 200 women constables, and 200 OAPF personnel. Additionally, around 200 ASIs and SIs, 50 Inspectors, 15 ACPs, and 6 ADCPs have been assigned to oversee security operations. Specialized units such as the Swift Action Team, SOG jawans, bomb disposal squads, and sniffer dogs will also be present to bolster safety.
The security arrangement is structured in three tiers: at the stage, in front of the stage, and within the hangars. Personnel will also be deployed around the Baliyatra ground, the helipad, the National Highway connecting Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, and the route from the venue to Sishu Bhawan via the ring road.
On Thursday, Police Commissioner S. Devadatta Singh and Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo reviewed the arrangements, followed by a briefing session for police personnel to outline their duties.
In preparation for the event, the Cuttack Commissionerate Police has imposed stringent traffic restrictions. Vehicular movement on the ring road and 10 key connecting roads will be regulated from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday. Key restrictions include barring vehicles from Sikharpur Square to Matamatha Square via the ring road, Jobra Square onward, and Chahta Square to Cantonment Police Station Square.
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Alternative routes have been designated, such as from Cantonment Police Station Square to Madhukunj Park and from Greenar Hotel Square to Madhusudan Statue via OPA Square. Heavy vehicles will face additional curbs, with diversions in place from Kaliaboda Square to OMP Square and restrictions from Trishulia to Beliview Square. Violators risk fines of up to ₹1,000 under Section 16 of the Odisha Urban Police Act, 2003. Emergency vehicles like police, fire services, and ambulances are exempt from these restrictions.
The launch of Ayushman Bharat, a flagship healthcare initiative aimed at providing affordable medical coverage to millions, underscores the government’s commitment to improving public health infrastructure. With robust security, meticulous traffic management, and a high-profile guest list, the event is poised to be a significant milestone for Odisha and beyond.
