In a first, red carpet rolled out for public

The public can visit the exhibition on April 14, where they might get a chance to watch the live demonstration of the land, naval and aerial defence systems and flying display by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Indian Air Force (IAF). Members of the public, who have pre-registered on the expo’s website, will have to carry the entry badges given after the online registration. 

Sanjay Prasad, Joint Secretary (Land System), Department of Defence Production, said, “Indian Navy Ships are open for public visits on April 13 and 15 between 10 am and 3 pm. Visitors can assemble at Island Grounds from where they will be taken by buses in batches of 50. On each day, we can accommodate around 4,500 people. We are ensuring facilities such as provision of drinking water and a souvenir shop. The visitors are requested to carry the original and a photocopy of a valid government ID.” 

The Officers Training Academy (OTA) too will be open for public visits. “The conducted tour of OTA will take place on April 13 and 14, where a batch of 50 will be taken on a bus and given a guided tour. We only request the public to carry a valid ID so there is no inconvenience,” he added. 

Special buses to Thiruvidanthai will be arranged on April 14, in addition to the existing MTC buses in the following routes, Thiruvanmiyur to Vadanemili, Tambaram to Vadanemili, Adyar to Mamallapuram and Broadway to Vadanemili, all of which provide convenient access to the venue.