Air Force: Aerial Survey Over Namo Ghat, Dedicated ATC Tower to Be Built
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The skies over the ancient temple city of Varanasi are gearing up for a spectacular aviation extravaganza as the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally initiated ground and airspace preparations for a grand mega air show scheduled on October 22, 23, and 25, 2026. Organized under the operational command of the Central Air Command (CAC), Prayagraj, the event will showcase aerobatic maneuvers, frontline fighter jet sorties, and tactical displays directly above the River Ganga. On Wednesday, an IAF reconnaissance helicopter conducted detailed aerial surveys of Namo Ghat and surrounding riverfront corridors, setting in motion plans for defense authorities to assume operational control over the ghat for strict security protocols and VIP management.
Low-Flying Chopper Surveys Namo Ghat: Defense Forces to Take Over Riverfront
The reconnaissance flight across the Ganga ghats drew curious crowds of locals and pilgrims on Wednesday morning:
Comprehensive Aerial Mapping: An IAF helicopter carried out low-level flight passes over Namo Ghat and the riverfront to evaluate flight ingress paths, spectator visibility lines, and landing coordinates for emergency contingencies.
Security Takeover of Namo Ghat: Administrative sources confirmed that the Air Force will take over operational possession of key sections of Namo Ghat starting Thursday. Depending on tactical security evaluations, public access to the entire ghat promenade may be restricted or temporarily cordoned off as the event date approaches.
Routine Trial Sorties to Follow: Defense officials confirmed that reconnaissance and flight-path calibration sorties will remain a frequent feature over Varanasi's airspace over the coming three weeks to familiarize pilots with local topography.
Dedicated Mobile ATC Tower on the Pier: Military Controllers Take Over Airspace
With just 22 days remaining until the commencement of the air show, specialized aviation infrastructure is being erected along the riverbank:
Independent ATC Tower at the Pier: To ensure absolute flight safety and high-precision tactical separation between flying assets, a dedicated, military-grade Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower is being constructed directly at the Namo Ghat pier.
Exclusive Military Supervision: The temporary ATC unit will be manned entirely by seasoned IAF air traffic controllers. Civilian radar and commercial ATC at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (Babatpur) will not manage the low-altitude air show sorties, ensuring focused defense communications.
Complex Multi-Aircraft Formations: The specialized ATC installation will coordinate high-speed flypasts, helicopter rotor displays, and precision team formations maneuvering directly within the river basin corridor.
Over 4,000 Dignitaries Expected: PM Narendra Modi to Lead High-Profile Guest List
The three-day aerial spectacle is mounted as one of the largest ceremonial military displays hosted in eastern Uttar Pradesh:
PM Narendra Modi to Grace the Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, representing the Varanasi parliamentary constituency, is slated to witness the grand air show alongside a host of senior Union ministers, state leaders, and international delegates.
VVIP Enclosure at Namo Ghat: Over 4,000 VIP guests will be hosted along designated pavilions at Namo Ghat, transforming the modernized riverfront into the central command and spectator hub for the celebration.
Final Preparations Underway: District administration, city police, and Central Air Command teams are coordinating round-the-clock to finalize emergency response setups, security sanitization, and traffic diversions to ensure a seamless experience for visitors and residents across Kashi.
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