Visakhapatnam police to deploy 5,700 personnel for naval events

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi said on Sunday that around 5,700 police personnel would be deployed to ensure security during the Milan, the International Fleet Review (IFR), and the City International Parade, scheduled to be held in the city from February 15 to 25.

The events, to be organised along RK Beach Road, are expected to be attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, senior naval officers from 57 countries, and other dignitaries. Police estimate that nearly one lakh people will turn out to witness the naval exercises at sea.

Mr. Bagchi said extensive barricading and security arrangements would be put in place at all venues to prevent any untoward incidents. Security would also be strengthened at the city’s entry points, hotels where dignitaries are staying, and along their movement routes. Traffic regulation measures would be implemented to minimise inconvenience to the public.

As part of VIP security protocols, rope parties, route-checking teams, and bomb disposal squads would be deployed. Fourteen parking locations have been identified, with dedicated personnel posted at each site. A special command-and-control room will be set up in the Beach Road area to monitor security operations.

Since several programmes will be held along the beachfront, measures will also be taken to prevent people from entering the sea and to avoid accidents. The deployment will include about 4,000 civil police personnel, 700-Armed Reserve staff, 500 personnel from the APSP and Greyhounds, and another 500 personnel assigned for barricading, bomb checks, and road-opening duties.