IAF to hold ‘Wings Over Ganges’ aerial display in Varanasi; Modi to attend on Oct 25

Varanasi (UP), Oct 20 (PTI) The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a series of aerial displays at the iconic Namo Ghat here on October 22, 24 and 25, showcasing its combat capabilities, technological prowess and flying skills under the ‘Wings Over Ganges’ theme, officials said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the programme on October 25, they said.

Titled ‘Indian Air Force Aerial Display 2026’, the event will highlight the force’s rich heritage, modern air power and commitment to national security.

According to IAF officials, a total of 100 aircraft will participate in the event, including 52 fighter aircraft, 15 transport aircraft and 32 helicopters.

Fighter jets such as the Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas are slated to demonstrate their capabilities. Transport and surveillance aircraft, including the C-130, C-295, C-17 Globemaster and AN-32, are also expected to participate, they said.

The IAF’s Suryakiran aerobatic team will be among the major attractions, performing manoeuvres over the Ganga. A formation involving nine Hawk aircraft following a C-17 Globemaster-led flight will precede the Suryakiran team’s display, officials said.

Several specially designed aerial formations, named ‘Kashi’, ‘Varun’, ‘Kedar’, ‘Hanuman’, ‘Omkar’, ‘Rudra’ and ‘Bhagirathi’, will demonstrate the force’s precision flying, coordination and operational capabilities.

Under the ‘Kashi’ formation, three Kiran aircraft are planned to fly in a V-shaped formation, while three Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III helicopters will feature in the ‘Varun’ formation.

The ‘Omkar’ formation will feature three Mi-17 helicopters flying with the national flag and showering flower petals.

A joint-services formation, ‘Tridev’, will showcase coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force. It will feature the Indian Navy’s Kamov-31 helicopter, an IAF ALH Mk-III and an Army ALH Mk-III, officials said.

Other formations involving Chinook helicopters, Dornier aircraft, C-130 transport aircraft, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and MiG-29 fighters are also planned.

Officials said the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the IAF’s professional expertise, advanced technology and growing capabilities in line with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

The Varanasi Police has drawn up an extensive security plan for the event, with a multi-layered arrangement modelled on the security framework adopted during the Maha Kumbh.

Additional police personnel will be deployed along major roads, riverfront ghats and sensitive locations. Special arrangements are being made for crowd management, traffic regulation and emergency services.

Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said a comprehensive security mechanism was being put in place to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the event.

Temporary police stations and outposts are being established at key locations in the city and around the venue to facilitate a prompt response to any emergency.

Police personnel arriving from other districts are being given special training, keeping in view Varanasi’s narrow lanes, crowded ghats and distinctive geographical layout.

They are being briefed on their designated duty points, important routes and the city’s topography to enable them to respond swiftly during emergencies.

Authorities are also planning to restrict the entry of heavy vehicles into the inner and outer parts of the city during the event. Separate routes are being designated for VIPs and the general public, while large parking areas are being identified near city entry points and the venue to prevent traffic congestion.

Green corridors will be established between the venue and major hospitals to ensure the unhindered movement of ambulances. Temporary medical camps and teams of doctors will also be deployed near the venue to provide first aid and emergency medical assistance.

Agarwal said additional personnel would be stationed at the ghats, major roads and sensitive locations to manage the anticipated crowds and maintain security throughout the aerial displays. PTI COR ABN KSI

KSI

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