The International Fleet Review (IFR) being hosted by the Indian Navy from February 4 to 8 at Visakhapatnam for the first time is being conducted on a larger scale than ever before on the East Coast.

The city is likely to host nearly 20,000 guests that include personnel from foreign ships, diplomatic missions in India and government dignitaries.

The State government and the district administration are leaving no stone unturned in improving public facilities and the extensive road widening, renovations of public spaces, improving greenery, tree plantations, beach nourishment, pollution control, harbour upkeep, improvements to hygiene and sewerage are some steps that have changed the face of Vizag and will be a boon to the resident for years to come. This would also boost the brand image of the city internationally.

About 1.5 lakh visitors are expected to witness the International City Parade scheduled on February 7 and 90 per cent of the passes have been distributed to the public through “Mee Seva” centres. Only about 17,000 passes have been reserved for invitees from foreign delegates, crews of participating foreign ships, representatives of the Central and the State government including the Chief Ministers and Governors of coastal States, Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs and hosts from the Indian Navy. Rehearsals of International City Parade are organised on February 3 and 4 with free access.