Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, conducted an on-site inspection at Namo Ghat in Varanasi, reviewing preparations for the upcoming air show and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit. The Chief Minister issued detailed directives covering crowd management, security deployment, traffic logistics, sanitation, and emergency readiness ahead of the high-profile event.

Inspection at Namo Ghat

At Namo Ghat, the Police Commissioner, District Magistrate, and Army officials briefed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath using project maps, walking him through the proposed arrangements. He directed that robust security measures be put in place not just at Namo Ghat but across all major ghats along the Ganga, with proper barricading, adequate life jackets, and a green corridor kept ready for emergencies.

Air Show Schedule and Expected Dignitaries

The air show is scheduled across three days — October 22, 24, and 25. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other senior dignitaries are expected to attend on October 25, the final day. The event is expected to draw a large public turnout, prompting the administration to plan for an extensive deployment across the city.

Crowd Management and Traffic Directives

At a review meeting held at the Circuit House auditorium, Yogi Adityanath stressed the need for effective crowd management and called for a comprehensive police deployment plan that accounts for other concurrent festivals and events in the city. He ordered a well-planned route diversion system, sufficient parking facilities with clear signage, and deployment of police, traffic police, and municipal personnel at all parking sites. Mobile toilets are to be provided in sufficient numbers at the ghats.

Sanitation, Beautification, and Civil Arrangements

The Chief Minister directed the Municipal Corporation to launch a special cleanliness drive at the ghats and a city-wide sanitation campaign. Ghats from Namo Ghat to Assi Ghat are to be painted, spiral lights installed on utility poles along key routes from the airport, and major intersections beautified. Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal reported that silt is being cleared from the ghats, 300 mobile toilets and 400 water tankers have been arranged, and 3,000 sanitation workers have been deployed.

Chief Medical Officer NP Singh outlined health arrangements, and the Chief Minister ordered all government and private hospitals to keep necessary medical facilities in readiness. The Vice-Chairman of the Varanasi Development Authority was asked to ensure timely action on all directives.

Officials and Volunteers Mobilised

District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar and Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal presented the administration and policing plans at the review meeting. Yogi Adityanath suggested the involvement of volunteers from the NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, Civil Defence, and Yuvak Mangal Dal to supplement official deployment. The meeting was attended by State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, several ministers of state, MLAs, MLCs, Mayor Ashok Tiwari, senior police and administrative officers, Air Force officials, and department representatives. All eyes will now be on whether Varanasi's infrastructure can deliver a seamless experience for what is shaping up to be one of the state's most high-profile public events in recent months.