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08 Jul 2025
The Retailers Association of India (RAI) convened the first Visakhapatnam Retail Summit at Novotel to highlight Andhra Pradesh's fast-evolving retail sector. The event gathered top industry leaders and brands such as Neeru's, CMR, Kankatala, and BigBasket to discuss profitability beyond metro markets, tech integration, and customer shifts in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Speakers explored how Andhra's pro-business policies and rising consumer aspirations are transforming Visakhapatnam into a strategic retail hub. Key themes included localisation, digital access, and the balance between tradition and modernisation.Read more
08 Jul 2025
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has approved a residential project featuring six 50-storey towers in Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam. This marks the first time in recent years such a project has been undertaken by an urban development authority in Andhra Pradesh. VMRDA will also develop middle-income group (MIG) housing projects in other parts of the city, offering subsidized 2BHK, 2.5BHK, and 3BHK flats. Both initiatives, under a public-private partnership model, aim to address housing needs and generate revenue, shifting VMRDA's focus to ready-to-move-in homes.Read more
10 Jun 2025
The Patna Metro Rail Project is progressing well, with the priority corridor between Patna Junction and ISBT nearing completion. Bihar Urban Development Minister Jibesh Kumar recently inspected key sites, including the ISBT metro station and depot, and expressed satisfaction with the project's pace and quality. The 6.6-km priority corridor features five elevated stations: Malahi Pakri, Khemnichak (interchange), Bhoothnath, Zero Mile, and Patliputra ISBT. Inauguration is slated for August 15 this year. The ISBT depot, spanning 30.5 hectares, is being built at a cost of INR 142 crore and will support operations with maintenance facilities, a stabling yard, control centre, and sub-station. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is providing technical support. Once operational, the metro promises to improve urban mobility, offering Patna residents faster, safer, and eco-friendly transport options, marking a major step in Bihar's urban modernisation.Read more
02 Jun 2025
The Andhra Pradesh government will begin construction of the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project in October 2025, with a double-decker model proposed to meet rising transport demands. A semi-ring road is also planned to improve connectivity, especially to the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport, with 15 of 22 approach roads already approved. In housing, INR 7,000 crore has been allocated to complete pending TIDCO homes, prioritizing women beneficiaries by Dasara. Under the AMRUT scheme, INR 834 crore is being invested in water supply projects. At a VMRDA review, key concerns like sanitation, water shortages, and infrastructure gaps were addressed, reflecting a holistic push for urban development.Read more
26 May 2025
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) will conduct investor roadshows in Hyderabad and Bengaluru to promote a public-private partnership project for developing 88 acres in Madhurawada. Valued at INR 500 crore, the land holds strategic importance due to its proximity to major infrastructure, including a proposed metro station, an upcoming data centre, and Bhogapuram International Airport. VMRDA aims to attract investments for mixed-use developments such as residential, commercial, hospitality, and entertainment projects. This effort supports Andhra Pradesh's goal to become a USD 2.4 trillion economy by 2047, establishing Visakhapatnam as a key driver in the region's overall development.Read more
09 May 2025
The District Magistrate of Patna, Chandrashekhar Singh, issued an order earlier this week to resolve all land mutation cases that have been pending for more than 75 days by the end of this month in an effort to increase administrative efficiency. The move targets key blocks such as Sampatchak, Bihta, Didarganj, Dhanrua, and Naubatpur, where the bulk of the backlog totalling around 14,108 cases remains. As part of the larger initiative to digitize and increase transparency in land-related services, the Patna Municipal Corporation has launched an online facility to expedite property mutation and tax assessments, and the Bihar government has implemented corrective measures to address procedural delays.Read more
11 Apr 2025
Property owners in Patna are facing persistent issues in obtaining receipts and updated records for property tax payments. Several residents have reported missing receipts and unprocessed payments even after timely deposits. This has caused concern, especially during property transfers or legal verifications. The Municipal Corporation has acknowledged the problem and cited technical glitches and staff shortages. It plans to streamline its digital tax system and set up help desks to address complaints. The situation highlights the need for stronger backend systems in urban tax administration.
10 Apr 2025
The Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) conducted an e-lottery for plot allocations under the Middle-Income Group (MIG) housing scheme. The process, held for layouts in Rushikonda and Kommadi, ensured transparency and fairness in plot distribution. Thousands of applicants participated online, and winners were selected through a digital draw. This initiative aligns with VUDA's goal to promote housing accessibility while avoiding manual interference in allocation. The success of this e-lottery marks another step toward tech-enabled urban planning and citizen engagement in Andhra Pradesh's housing sector.
07 Apr 2025
Patna is undergoing a major infrastructure overhaul, led by the INR 13,365.77 crore Patna Metro project, with the 6.6-km priority corridor set to open by August 15, 2025. The city will also host India's longest road bridge-the 9.76-km Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge-over the Ganges, and a INR 3,712.40 crore Patna-Arrah-Sasaram expressway. Under the Smart Cities Mission, 17 of 33 projects are complete, while the proposed Greater Patna plan will extend city limits to 14 new blocks. Together, these initiatives aim to ease congestion, boost connectivity, and prepare Patna for a projected 6 million population by 2050.Read more
03 Apr 2025
The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has approved the implementation of metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada using an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) model. This decision aims to save INR 20 crore per project by avoiding interim consultants and leveraging experienced retired officials. The board has also authorized the process for selecting general consultants, in line with multilateral funding agency requirements. The Metro Corporation's regional office will also be relocated to new premises in Visakhapatnam by May 2025.
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28 Mar 2025
Visakhapatnam's 30-year master plan is set for finalization within four months, focusing on urban infrastructure, sustainable growth, and public participation. The plan includes INR 500 crore investment for 35 new roads to ease congestion, especially near Bhogapuram International Airport. The Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project will enhance urban mobility, following successful models in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Upgrades in water supply and drainage will tackle shortages, inspired by Chennai and Hyderabad's initiatives. Overseen by VMRDA, the plan ensures public consultation via online access, promoting transparency. Balancing industrial growth and environmental sustainability, the initiative aims to modernize Visakhapatnam's urban landscape.Read more
21 Feb 2025
The Andhra Pradesh government has outlined land acquisition details for the Vizag metro rail project, requiring 99.8 acres, including nine acres of private land. Phase one, covering 46.23 km with 42 stations, has an estimated cost of INR 11,498 crore. Key corridors include Vizag Steel Plant to Kommadi, Gurudwara to Old Post Office, and Thatichetlapalem to Chinna Waltair. Political delays slowed progress, but the NDA-led government is now seeking full central funding. With tenders pending approval, the project is set to enhance Vizag's transport infrastructure, though land acquisition and funding challenges remain critical hurdles.Read more
13 Feb 2025
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is mapping land use for newly merged mandals, covering 2,456 sq km, to develop a master plan. Using DGPS and topographic surveys, VMRDA will digitize cadastral data and overlay satellite imagery for accurate land assessments. The expansion follows the 2020 and 2021 jurisdictional extensions, adding 14 mandals. The maps will integrate utility data, infrastructure networks, and approved layouts to ensure sustainable urban development. This initiative aims to provide structured regional planning for Visakhapatnam's growth, aligning future infrastructure needs with expanding urbanization.Read more
24 Jan 2025
The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a 13-day campaign targeting property tax defaulters, beginning with visits to seven properties on Exhibition and Jamal Roads. Five owners cleared dues on the spot, while two sought extensions. With 491 defaulters identified citywide, PMC's efforts have raised daily collections to INR 22 lakh, with a target of INR 200 crore for 2024-25. Past tax drives funded urban improvements like infrastructure upgrades and waste management, and the current campaign aims to replicate this success. By intensifying enforcement and encouraging compliance, the PMC is boosting fiscal health and supporting Patna's urban development.Read more
03 Jan 2025
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Patna has attached properties valued at INR 7.03 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The properties, located in Patna and Noida, are registered under M/s Sri Anuanand Construction Pvt Ltd and its director, Bimal Kumar. Investigations revealed that funds collected from buyers for a real estate project in Danapur, Patna, were misused. Instead of completing the project, INR 7.82 crore was allegedly diverted for acquiring personal assets.Read more
31 Dec 2024
The Patna Metro, a INR 13,365.77 crore project overseen by the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL), aims to modernise Bihar's capital with efficient and eco-friendly transit. Comprising two corridors spanning 32.91 km - the East-West Corridor (Danapur Cantonment to Khemni Chak) and North-South Corridor (Patna Junction to New ISBT) - the metro promises reduced congestion and shorter commutes. Funded by central and state governments, with JICA financing 60%, the project is set to launch by August 2025. This transformative initiative will boost connectivity, economic growth, and quality of life, marking Patna's leap toward sustainable urban development.Read more
12 Dec 2024
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that the Patna metro rail is set to begin operations on August 15, 2025, coinciding with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's development agenda ahead of state elections. The project is part of the INR 32,506.90 crore supplementary budget, which also funds road repairs, new medical colleges, and a tourism hub in Kaimur. Despite opposition protests, the budget passed by voice vote, with INR 3,028.91 crore allocated to social welfare. The metro's launch is expected to boost Bihar's infrastructure and economy while benefiting marginalized communities through enhanced connectivity and modernization efforts.Read more
12 Dec 2024
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has revamped its building plan approval system, significantly improving timelines over the past two months. Previously marred by delays, the online system introduced in 2016 now ensures faster communication of deficiencies and earlier approvals. Notably, 71% of plans are approved within the first week, compared to 20% earlier. In parallel, the Andhra Pradesh government is introducing additional reforms, including a single-window system and a new policy allowing municipal approvals to be bypassed for buildings under 15 metres. These changes aim to streamline processes and expedite clearances.Read more
11 Dec 2024
The construction of Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) facility at Madhurawada IT SEZ is advancing rapidly, supported by a proposal from Dallas Technology Centre (DTC) to lease and expand its premises. The state government approved DTC's requests for sub-leasing, occupancy certification, and 1,600 sqm of additional space at INR 6,720/sqm. Initially allocated a 7,774.90 sqm plot in 2016, DTC plans to accommodate 2,000 IT professionals in Phase I, necessitating further expansion. Following State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) endorsement, relevant departments are expediting the project. The facility is poised to boost employment and drive economic growth in the region.Read more
11 Dec 2024
Patna landowners can now upload land details via self-declaration on the Revenue and Land Reforms Department's portal, with the deadline extended to February 2024. This follows the state's special land survey, initiated to update records last surveyed in 1911. Verification, claims, and objections will follow, ensuring transparency and accuracy. The Bihar cabinet also approved INR 49.73 crore for eco-tourism in Kaimur, INR 98.65 crore for Matsyagandha Lake, and INR 890.14 crore for the Akshar Aanchal Yojana to uplift marginalized communities. Additional funding supports education and ministerial housing, reflecting Bihar's efforts to modernize infrastructure and address socio-economic challenges.Read more
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