Chaos, scorching sun welcome guests at Defence Expo 2016

Mismanagement and chaos marked the start on Monday of Defence Expo 2016, which got underway in Goa in soaring end-of-March heat.

Delays and traffic snarls left the formally-dressed defence ministers, military generals and business people baking in the scorching sun on roads and at open air inaugural venue of the ninth edition of India's biennial land, naval and internal security systems exposition.

In his inaugural address, Defence Minsiter Manohar Parrikar 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 for cooking you in a cooker with temperature already soaring," Parrikar said.

"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," he added.

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 jams in travelling to this place. I assure you that in future whenever we hold this, all these problems will be taken care of," Parrikar, former chief minister of Goa, said.

In a lighter vein, he added: "Even 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.