But such a route would have made it extremely difficult for security forces to ensure that there was no flag-waving or slogan-shouting from Tibetans or their sympathizers. On the other hand, access to the three-km stretch on Rajpath can easily be controlled.

Sources told The Indian Express that it is proposed that security forces take over the lawns on both sides of Rajpath and surrounding India Gate 24 hours in advance.

The government’s determination to prevent any protests during the torch relay stems from its anxiousness to avoid situations like the one witnessed at the Chinese Embassy some days back when some Tibetans had scaled the walls.

China had taken a serious view of such protests and even summoned the Indian ambassador in Beijing at the middle of night to convey its displeasure. Chinese ambassador in India Zhang Yan then met Home Minister Shivraj Patil and expressed his country’s concerns over the safety of the torch in India.

While the government’s objective is likely to be fulfilled, such a short run for the Olympic torch is not something that will make the IOA very happy. In fact, Kalmadi stressed that as of now the Rajpath route was not final and some other, longer, routes were also under consideration.