City of Destiny set for grand International Fleet Review on February 18

The City of Destiny is all set to host the prestigious International Fleet Review 2026 on Wednesday, with elaborate arrangements put in place by the Eastern Naval Command, the district administration and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Over the past two days, Visakhapatnam has welcomed several VVIPs and naval delegates from India and abroad. Officials have been working round the clock to ensure seamless coordination among various departments. Rehearsals along the iconic Beach Road have heightened the festive spirit, evoking memories among residents of the grand Fleet Review hosted in the city in 2016.

Naval personnel from participating countries, who have already arrived, were seen visiting prominent tourist spots and shopping centres. Many expressed admiration for the city’s scenic coastline and well-maintained public spaces. Popular destinations such as Kailasagiri, Tenneti Park, Rushikonda Beach and CMR Central, besides the museums along the Beach Road stretch, witnessed a steady flow of visitors. The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority facilitated sightseeing arrangements after undertaking extensive beautification and facelift works ahead of the naval event.

To ensure foolproof security, the city police have deployed over 1,800 personnel, placing Visakhapatnam under a comprehensive security cover. The Beach Road stretch has been brought under strict surveillance in view of the International City Parade scheduled for February 20.

Seating arrangements for delegates and VVIPs have been completed, and barricades erected along the beachfront for spectators. With rehearsals drawing impressive public turnout, authorities expect a massive gathering on February 20.

The Dog Squad and Bomb Disposal Squad have been conducting intensive checks along Beach Road, Port Road from INS Dega to The Park Hotel Junction, Convent Junction and other identified VIP movement areas. Metal detectors will be installed at key entry points, including Gokul Park, The Park Hotel Junction and Police Mess, besides other access points to Beach Road.

Special control rooms are being set up by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and the city police to monitor crowd management and security operations under the supervision of designated senior officers.

Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi said that from February 17 to 20, a five kilometre radius between INS Dega and The Park Hotel Junction has been declared a Temporary Red Zone. Flying drones within this zone is strictly prohibited, and any violation will attract action under the Aircraft Act, 1934.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg said that 1,095 sanitation workers have been deployed to maintain cleanliness along the Beach Road stretch. Of them, 365 personnel will work in three shifts on February 17, 18 and 19 to ensure uninterrupted sanitation services.

He added that six large sweeping machines, eight small sweeping machines and four beach-cleaning machines have been stationed at identified locations. Street vendors operating on footpaths have been instructed to dispose of waste only in designated bins. Zonal Commissioners have been directed to identify garbage-prone areas and deploy additional sanitation staff for prompt clearance.