Nalanda Ruins Closed to Tourists from 2pm Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit

Rajgir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Rajgir on June 19, prompting comprehensive security measures in both Rajgir and Nalanda. Tourist entry to the Nalanda ruins will be closed from 2:00 pm on Tuesday in preparation for his arrival, with the Special Protection Group (SPG) taking direct control thereafter.

PM Modi will travel from Gaya to Nalanda University Rajgir via an Army MI-17 helicopter. Prior to this, rehearsals for the helicopter landing have been conducted within the university premises. Traffic systems will be altered on June 19 to accommodate the visit.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Prime Minister is expected to spend approximately 10 to 15 minutes touring the ancient Nalanda University, a duration which may extend.

In preparation for the visit, the main gate of the Nalanda ruins has been freshly painted and the surrounding area cleaned. Helipads have been constructed in the playground of Rasbihari Plus Two School near the ruins and at Nava Nalanda Mahavihara. Roads from Nalanda University in Rajgir to the ancient university are being barricaded for security.

Key events will be hosted at the Sushma Swaraj Auditorium at Nalanda University, where 240 chairs will be arranged. Besides the Prime Minister’s chair on stage, five additional chairs will be placed. Another 500 chairs will be set up in the campus’s second hall for faculty, students, and other VIPs to view the proceedings via a projector. A commemorative plaque has been installed near the auditorium.

Traffic arrangements in Rajgir will be significantly adjusted for the Prime Minister’s visit. Traffic DSP Sunil Kumar Singh announced that all vehicles on the highway from Kargil Chowk to Rajgir via Nalanda Silav will be prohibited.

The following traffic diversions will be in place: vehicles from Bihar Sharif to Rajgir will be redirected via Pawapuri and Giriak; vehicles from Nawada will route through Giriak and Pawapuri to Bihar Sharif; Gaya to Bihar Sharif traffic will detour via Sarvahda, Khudaganj, Islampur, and Ekangarasrai; Chhabilapur to Bihar Sharif traffic will pass through Parwalpur; Chhabilapur to Rajgir traffic will be routed via Katari Mod, CRPF Camp, and Virayatan; Nawada to Rajgir traffic will travel through Jhula Mod, Ambedkar Chowk, and PTJM College; and Deepnagar Bazaar to Rajgir traffic will be redirected via Vastu Vihar, Nanand, and Giriak Road.

Assistant Conservator of Nalanda Ruins, Amrit Jha, confirmed that tourist entry will be restricted from 2:00 pm on Tuesday, handing over control to the SPG.