International City Parade draws huge crowds to Beach Road in Vizag

All roads in the city led to the RK Beach on Friday as thousands of people gathered to witness the much-awaited International City Parade, organised as part of the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN here on Thursday.

Though it was not a weekend, the turnout was overwhelming. People of all ages, youth, elderly, women and children started coming to the Beach Road from afternoon onwards. They entered through Park Hotel Junction, Collectorate, Novotel down and other access points to secure vantage points to watch the parade. Many among them had already watched the rehearsals but were keen to experience the spectacle once again.

People watch the drone show during
| Photo Credit:
K R DEEPAK

The designated spectator blocks set up along the beachfront were filled to capacity well before the programme commenced. The stretch near Kali Mata Temple witnessed the maximum crowd, with visitors occupying every available space. While the youth were busy capturing photos and videos on their mobile phones, several elderly spectators were seen carrying binoculars to get a closer view of the aerial displays.

The programme commenced after Governor S. Abdul Nazeer arrived as the chief guest, accompanied by senior officials of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC). The air show formed a major highlight of the evening. Chetak and ALH helicopters performed precision manoeuvres, followed by an impressive display by Dornier patrol aircraft and Albatross aircraft, leaving the audience spellbound.

Illuminated ships fire flares during the International City Parade, a highlight of the ongoing MILAN-2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
K R DEEPAK

The banner flypast by Chetak helicopters, the Kestrel formation by ALH helicopters, Kamov-28 helicopters, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and the roaring flypast by MiG fighter jets drew thunderous applause. Spectators cheered loudly as the MiGs streaked across the sky, many attempted to capture the high-speed display on their phones. The aerial display was followed by an amphibious demonstration on the beach, which further heightened the excitement.

The parade began with performances by the NCC cadets and students, setting an energetic tone. A series of cultural programmes featuring folk artistes added colour to the event. More than 30 LED screens were installed at various points to ensure clear visibility for the large gathering.

One of the most captivating moments of the parade was the dynamic march past by naval personnel from different countries. The audience applauded continuously as contingents from across the world marched in unison along the seafront and captured it on their mobile phones. It was followed by Navy band performance, fire works, illumination of ships and a few others.

Russian Naval personnel march in a perfect formation.
| Photo Credit:
K R DEEPAK

“Vizag has a great maritime history. The city is honoured to host such events. Every time such an event occurs, it gives a feeling of pride having the Eastern Naval Command with us,” said M. Mahesh Kumar, a retired government teacher who watched the parade from the Beach Road.

A college student, Sai Teja, who attended the event with his friends, said, “Watching the MiGs roar above us and seeing the naval forces from different nations march together is an unforgettable experience. It made me feel proud of our Navy and inspired me to know more about our defence services.”

Search and rescue operations on display during the Operational Demonstration.
| Photo Credit:
K R DEEPAK

Meanwhile, traffic congestion was reported at Jagadamba Junction, Collectorate, The Park Hotel Junction, Siripuram and a few other areas leading to the Beach Road. Special buses were put into operations to meet the need of the spectators. The entire stretch was brought under tight police control and movement of vehicles was regulated to ensure the safety of the massive crowd.