Visakhapatnam Gears Up for Fleet Review, MILAN, City Parade
District Collector M.N. Harendhra Prasad on Wednesday led a high-level review of preparations for the International Fleet Review (IFR–2026), MILAN, and the International City Parade. He met officials from the Eastern Naval Command, police, and key departments at the Collectorate. He asked all wings to work in close coordination to ensure the events run smoothly.
Since the President of India, the Union Defence Minister, the State Governor, the Chief Minister, and other dignitaries will attend, the administration has stepped up arrangements. In addition, officials expect a crowd of two to three lakh people. Therefore, departments must strengthen security, traffic control, infrastructure, and medical services.
The programme schedule is also clear. The President will arrive on February 17. The Naval Fleet Review will follow on February 18. Meanwhile, MILAN will begin on February 19. Later that evening, organisers will conduct the International City Parade along Beach Road.
The Collector instructed teams to install LED screens and public address systems along the parade route. They will also set up galleries, barricades, and parking zones. Moreover, departments must provide medical teams, fire safety units, drinking water, mobile toilets, and sanitation services. At the same time, civic workers are speeding up Beach Road beautification, decorative lighting, and cleanliness drives.
A central control room will operate around the clock from February 17. If needed, officials will open additional control rooms at key venues. To ease public movement, APSRTC buses will run up to Jagadamba Junction and Park Hotel Junction.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Shankabratha Bagchi outlined security steps. Police teams will install CCTV cameras and use night-vision equipment. They will also monitor all locations live through the control room. Furthermore, authorities will strictly enforce no-drone and no-kite zones to protect public safety during the prestigious events.