The International Fleet Review being hosted by the Indian Navy from 04-08 February 2016 at Visakhapatnam for the first time is being conducted at a larger scale than ever done before in 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, arboriculture, tree plantations, beach nourishment, pollution control, harbour upkeep, improvements to hygiene and sewerage are some examples 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 city internationally.
As brought out in some newspaper reports regarding issue of passes, whilst about 1.5 lakh visitors are anticipated to witness the International City Parade scheduled on 07 February 16, it is clarified that 90% of the passes are been distributed to the public through Mee-Seva under arrangement by the District Administration. Only about 17,000 passes have been reserved for invitees from foreign delegates, crews of participating foreign ships, representatives of the Central and State Government including the Chief Ministers and Governors of coastal states, Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs and hosts from the Indian Navy. To ensure maximum participation by the local residents, final rehearsal of Op Demo has been organized on 29 January and rehearsals of International City Parade are organized on 03 & 04 February with free access.