Fleet Review Delegates to Tour Vizag Landmarks
As Visakhapatnam gears up to host the forthcoming International Fleet Review, arrangements have been made to showcase some of the city’s prominent landmarks to visiting naval representatives. Around 200 international naval delegates are scheduled to visit key tourist attractions under the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority each day from February 16 to 20.
To facilitate these visits, the identified attractions will remain closed to the general public for half a day during the five-day period. Officials said the temporary restrictions are intended to ensure smooth movement, adequate security coordination, and a comfortable experience for the delegates.
VMRDA Chairman Pranav Gopal and Metropolitan Commissioner Tej Bharath said the authority has undertaken refurbishment works costing nearly ₹2 crore in recent weeks. The upgrades focused on painting, sanitation, landscaping, and overall maintenance.
“The International Fleet Review is closely linked to Visakhapatnam’s global image. We have therefore prioritised improvements at key attractions and monitored the works through a series of field inspections to ensure that quality standards are met,” the officials said.
According to VMRDA, the delegates’ itinerary includes the Sea Harrier Museum, TU-142 Aircraft Museum, INS Kursura Submarine Museum, and the UH-3H Helicopter Museum. The programme also covers visits to Kailasagiri hilltop park and the Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex, an ancient Buddhist heritage site overlooking the Bay of Bengal.
The Sea Harrier, TU-142, and Kursura museums display decommissioned naval aircraft and a submarine, offering visitors insights into India’s maritime defence history. Kailasagiri is known for its panoramic coastal views, while Thotlakonda highlights the region’s Buddhist heritage.
Officials said logistical arrangements, visitor management protocols, and security measures have been put in place to ensure that the delegates’ visits proceed smoothly. The attractions will reopen to the public after the designated hours each day.