Yogi govt makes elaborate arrangements for security, accessibility and spectator convenience
Valour of the Indian Army and Air Force to take centre stage on October 22, 24 and 25; 15 to 20 lakh spectators expected
Air Force to showcase its military might in the skies, while UP Police prepares to manage security, traffic and crowds on the ground
Kashi divided into zones, sectors and sub-sectors for the air show; separate traffic plans prepared for crowd and traffic management
79 temporary police stations, 11,900 police personnel, three green corridors, 100 ambulances and eight temporary hospitals arranged
Double barricading at ghats, 25 watchtowers and security personnel deployed on the river; anti-drone systems, ATVs and cybersecurity teams on alert
PM Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Anandiben Patel and CM Yogi Adityanath among dignitaries expected on October 25
Varanasi, October 2026 : The Yogi government has completed preparations for ‘Wings Over Ganga’, an air show showcasing the valour, courage and strategic capabilities of the Indian Army and Air Force. The event, scheduled to be held in Varanasi on October 22, 24 and 25, is expected to draw 15 to 20 lakh people. On the final day, October 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, senior Army and Air Force officials, and several other dignitaries are expected to attend.
While Air Force aircraft will demonstrate their military capabilities in the skies, the Uttar Pradesh Police is prepared to take charge of traffic management, crowd control and security on the ground.
The government has drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure that spectators reach the ghats safely, order is maintained throughout the event, and visitors return home safely after the programme.
Police Commissioner of Varanasi Commissionerate Mohit Agarwal said, "Additional police personnel has been deployed and temporary police stations established to ensure security for the air show, which begins on Thursday. Besides the police, personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Bomb Disposal Squad and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), among other units, will be deployed. Police personnel have also been assigned to guide spectators arriving through railway stations, bus terminals, the airport and other major routes to the venue along designated routes.:
In view of the anticipated crowds and increased traffic pressure, four separate traffic plans have been prepared. Traffic management has been divided into two categories: internal and external. Separate diversions, barricades and alternative routes have been designated for both. The relevant traffic plan will be implemented according to the prevailing situation. Adequate police personnel will be deployed at bus terminals and railway stations, along with diversion arrangements.
For spectators' convenience, the ghats have been divided into different zones, with designated parking areas and entry routes for each zone. Spectators arriving from within the city will be directed towards designated parking areas and viewing points on the city side of the Ganga, while those coming from other districts will be provided with parking and access arrangements in the Ramnagar-Padav area. Police personnel deployed along major roads, at parking areas and at entry points will guide spectators to prevent traffic jams and unnecessary crowding.
Chief Medical Officer N.P. Singh said, "Three green corridors will be there to ensure that patients and people affected by emergencies could reach hospitals amid heavy traffic during the air show. Major government and private hospitals, including Sir Sunderlal Hospital, the BHU Trauma Centre, Shiv Prasad Gupta Divisional Hospital and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital, have been identified for this purpose. Alternative routes have also been designated to facilitate crowd dispersal, VIP movement and the handling of emergencies."
Separate one-way routes will be established for entry and exit at the Ganga ghats. Double barricading will be installed to control crowds, while CCTV cameras have been set up at all ghats to enable swift action in response to suspicious activities or any sudden increase in crowd density. Watchtowers are also there. For security and crowd management, the ghats, major city roads, bus terminals and railway stations have been connected to a public address system.
Door-frame metal detectors and handheld metal detectors will be used to screen visitors at ghat entry points. Double barricading has been installed along stretches of approximately 5.5 km each, from Dumari to Sati Ghat and from Adi Keshav to Dashashwamedh Ghat. Signboards have been installed across the city, from Namo Ghat to Samne Ghat, as well as along major connecting roads and lanes leading to the ghats, enabling visitors from other districts to reach their destinations easily.
For security on the Ganga, the operation of private boats will remain prohibited from 8 am to 5 pm during the air show. Personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, PAC flood relief companies and the Water Police have been deployed along the ghats and in the river area. Local divers will also remain on standby for rescue operations. Two water ambulances have been arranged at the ghats. Drinking water, toilets and other public amenities will be available at parking areas and crowded locations.
The Police Commissioner said, "Police personnel had received soft-skills training to ensure courteous and cooperative behaviour towards spectators during the air show. Trained personnel will assist visitors politely, without physical contact, and provide necessary directions. To strengthen crowd management and security, the ghats and urban areas have been divided into zones, sectors and sub-sectors."
In view of the sensitive nature of the air show, unauthorised drone operations will invite legal action. Flying drones will be prohibited within a five-kilometre radius on both sides of the Ganga ghats. Suspicious aerial activity within the restricted area will be closely monitored.
