Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala capital, witnessed hectic preparations ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by V.D. Satheesan on Monday (May 18, 2026).

A massive pavilion capable of accommodating nearly 30,000 people has been erected inside the Central Stadium premises, the venue of the ceremony. Roofing sheets, lighting systems, seating arrangements and stage infrastructure have been put in place.

LED walls

Moreover, large LED walls and giant display screens have also been installed at the venue to ensure that attendees seated far from the main stage can witness the proceedings.

The organisers had accelerated the work due to the possibility of rain in Thiruvananthapuram. Although morning showers expected on Monday have triggered concerns about weather disruptions, the fully covered structure and other arrangements are expected to prevent any major impact on the event, official sources said.

Kerala Police have implemented elaborate security arrangements across the capital city, with the organisers anticipating an influx of around 1 lakh people to witness one of the largest political gatherings the State has seen in recent years.

With several VVIPs, including top national leaders, expected to attend the ceremony, the police have brought the city under a tight security blanket. The police and administrative officials are coordinating crowd control, traffic diversions and parking arrangements to avoid severe congestion.

The traffic restrictions will come into effect starting at 7 a.m. to ensure the smooth vehicular flow and secure movement for attendees.

To prevent congestion, specific parking zones have been assigned based on the category of the vehicles and attendees. The vehicles of MLAs and MPs will be parked inside the Government Secretariat complex, while those of officials, police and media organisations will be parked at the Sanskrit College ground, Kerala University campus or University College grounds.

Large vehicles bringing party workers and other public must be parked at Attukal parking ground; Government Homeoepathic Medical College ground, Iranimuttom; Poojappura ground; both sides of the Chakka bypass road; Kuzhivila-Akkulam road; and Kaimanam-Pappanamcode road.

For small vehicles

Small vehicles can utilise grounds across the city including Putharikandam Maidan, Manjalikulam ground, ground near Saphalyam complex, General Hospital, St. Joseph’s School ground, Poojappura LBS College ground, LMS Compound, Chala Boys and Girls Higher Secondary School ground, Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School, Sri Swathi Thirunal College of Music, Government Arts College, Government College for Women, Jimmy George Indoor Stadium, Government Homeopathic Medical College, Iranimuttom, multilevel parking at Saphalyam Complex, Vellayambalam Water Authority compound, Kowdiar Salvation Army School ground, Tagore Theatre compound, PMG Law College Road, left side of the Kowdiar-Kuravankonam Road, and Vikas Bhavan Road.

Two-wheeler parking is permitted on both sides of Pulimoodu-Overbridge Road, left side of the Accountant General’s Office-VJT road, AKG Spencer Road, VJT-Jacobs Road, and the ground opposite the State Central Library.

Vehicles travelling through the city towards Statue will be diverted along various routes during the course of the event.