VISAKHAPATNAM: Vizag is a beautiful place and has a lot to offer to the economy with rapid development being witnessed. And tourism will be one of the most flourishing industries here in the coming years.

This is the observation of Vice Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), who is moving to Delhi to assume charge as Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) on October 31.

Growth factor

He shared his thoughts on the city, his association with the ENC and his views on the future of the Command in a chat with The Hindu at his `golfing out' event organised at the East Point Golf Club on Sunday.

Growth of tourism and economy require good connectivity. Towards this end, the Navy was assisting in the construction of a new runway at the airport, which would be completed early next year. "This will considerably enhance airport capacity and enables bigger aircraft land here," he added.

Speaking about the ENC, he felt that there was always scope to do much more for the betterment of the `men in uniform' and their families. "We hope to increase the accommodation of naval personnel in the Dolphin Hills area," said Vice Admiral Sureesh Mehta. The President's Fleet Review (PFR) held in February this year was one of the most cherished memories of his tenure. "The PFR was a brilliant display of naval prowess before our Supreme Commander, the President, and a great opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the Armed forces and civilian brethren," he said proudly.

As compared to other naval commands, the role of the ENC towards strengthening ties with our Southeast Asian neighbours had grown over the years. "In the line of duty, our interactions with our neighbours such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka have been extremely fruitful and challenging," he said.

Another long-term project in improving infrastructure and ship-basing facilities in the Command was the new naval base coming up 30 km south of the city. When asked what his agenda would be for the Navy on taking over as CNS, he smiled and said: "I'll disclose that once I take over."

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