Mangalore: Even as the district administration is making elaborate security arrangements for the scheduled visit of Congress President Sonia Gandhi to Mangalore on October 18, the Congress party on its part is busy making preparations to welcome the party president.

The Congress Publicity Cell has already launched a publicity vehicle at Nehru Maidan on October 16, Tuesday.

KPCC President Dr G Parameshwar said the Congress President who will land at Bajpe Airport at 4 pm will address a public meeting at Nehru Maidan at 4.30 pm and will later inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheswhara Temple.

He said the public meet at Nehru Maidan is expected to be attended by over 20,000 people. Central SPG (special protection group) has already arrived  in city and scrutinized the venue.