The ninth edition of India’s biennial land, naval and internal security systems exposition, ' Defence Expo 2016' started admist delays and traffic snarls that left the formally-dressed defence ministers, military generals and business people baking in the scorching sun on roads and at open air inaugural venue.
Defence Minsiter Manohar Parrikar in his inaugural address admitted the bad start to the show and apologised for the discomfort caused to the guests.
“Let me first express my apologies for the delay in the start of the programme and temperature is only adding to the woes,” Parrikar said.
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“This month I know is quite a hot month and we could not for lack of time provide a closed opening ceremony venue. So I won't be long in my speech.”
All narrow roads leading to the venue - at remote Naqueri plateau in South Goa district, 45 km from here - were clogged by traffic, which led to a delay in starting the event.
“I am aware there were some difficulties like traffic snarls in travelling to this place. I assure you that in future whenever we hold this event , all these issues will be taken care of,” Parrikar, a former chief minister of Goa, added.
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“Even the Chief Minister of Goa (Laxmikant Parsekar who was present at the event) will now ensure that roads are made wider. A lot of people in Goa love winding narrow roads. So, we have kept them like that.”
There are 1,035 companies participating in the four-day Defence Expo 2016.