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10 Jun 2026
• Several stormwater drains in Visakhapatnam are reportedly carrying untreated sewage and waste instead of rainwater, raising environmental concerns.
• Experts and civic groups warn that the pollution is affecting local water bodies, coastal ecosystems and public health.
• Encroachments, inadequate sewage infrastructure and poor maintenance have been cited as key reasons for the deteriorating condition of the drains.
• The issue has renewed calls for comprehensive drainage reforms and stronger wastewater management measures in the city.Read more
09 Jun 2026
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has successfully berthed MV Graceous, a 292-metre-long cape-sized bulk carrier, at the EQ-1 berth in its inner harbour, marking a significant operational milestone for the port. The vessel, which has a beam of 45 metres and a draft of 12.2 metres, is among the largest classes of bulk carriers operating globally. The achievement gives Visakhapatnam Port more than one cape-compliant berth, strengthening its ability to handle larger cargo vessels and enhancing overall cargo handling capacity. The development comes as ports across India continue to upgrade infrastructure and operational capabilities to accommodate larger ships and support growing maritime trade volumes.Read more
06 Jun 2026
• GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg has directed officials to speed up the processing of pending building permissions, Land Regularisation Scheme (LRS) applications and Transferable Development Rights (TDR) approvals to improve service delivery across Visakhapatnam.
• The civic administration reviewed approval pendency levels and flagged delays affecting planning, development and citizen-related applications, calling for stronger inter-departmental coordination.
• Faster clearances are expected to support urban development, improve investor confidence, reduce procedural bottlenecks and ensure timely implementation of real estate and infrastructure projects.Read more
05 Jun 2026
• The Andhra Pradesh government has sanctioned an AI-enabled traffic management initiative, Project SARTHI, for Visakhapatnam at an estimated cost of INR 99.19 crore.
• The project aims to improve traffic regulation, road safety and incident response through advanced surveillance and intelligent transport technologies.
• The system will integrate artificial intelligence, automated traffic monitoring, command-and-control infrastructure and real-time enforcement mechanisms across the city.
• The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen urban mobility infrastructure in Visakhapatnam amid rising traffic volumes and growing urbanisation.Read more
08 May 2026
The Centre has cleared the launch of the South Coast Railway Zone, with operations scheduled from June 1 and headquarters in Visakhapatnam. The move fulfills a long-pending demand of Andhra Pradesh and is expected to improve railway administration, connectivity, and freight movement. Key changes include restructuring of the Waltair division and coordination with the Rayagada division. The new zone is likely to support industrial growth in North Andhra, enhance logistics efficiency, and create employment opportunities while strengthening overall railway infrastructure in the region.Read more
01 May 2026
Google has started construction of its USD 15 billion AI data centre hub in Visakhapatnam, marking one of the largest foreign investments in India’s digital infrastructure. The project will be developed across multiple campuses with an initial capacity of around 1 gigawatt, scalable further. Built in partnership with AdaniConneX and Airtel’s Nxtra, the hub aims to strengthen India’s cloud and AI ecosystem. It is also expected to support local infrastructure, generate employment, and position Andhra Pradesh as a key destination for large-scale data centre developments.Read more
26 Apr 2026
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has initiated a comprehensive survey covering 66 slums across Visakhapatnam to assess housing conditions, infrastructure gaps, and redevelopment potential. The exercise forms part of a broader urban transformation strategy aligned with the Visakhapatnam Economic Region plan. Based on survey outcomes, slums will be categorised for either denotification or redevelopment under a public-private partnership model. Initial projects at Velampeta and Indira Nagar have already been identified, with redevelopment proposals involving multi-storey housing. The initiative also aims to institutionalise a Slum Rehabilitation Authority to streamline execution, financing, and long-term urban planning.Read more
14 Apr 2026
Google has obtained a power distribution (discom) licence for its proposed 1 GW hyperscale data centre hub in Visakhapatnam, marking a key regulatory milestone for the USD 15 billion (approx. INR 1.25 lakh crore) investment. Approved by the Andhra Pradesh cabinet in the past week, the licence allows the company to directly procure and distribute electricity for its operations, a first for a private entity in the state. The project, spread across multiple sites in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts, is positioned as India's largest single foreign direct investment. Construction is expected to commence later this month. The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply, improving cost efficiencies, and enabling integration of renewable energy sources for large-scale data infrastructure.Read more
07 Apr 2026
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation recorded its highest-ever property and vacant land tax collection of around INR 620 crore in FY 2025-26, exceeding its target of INR 600 crore. The growth of about 22 per cent over the previous year was supported by new property assessments, revision of high-value properties, and improved recovery efforts. Incentives such as early payment rebates and interest waivers also boosted collections. Strong performance during key months and better administrative monitoring helped the civic body maintain steady revenue throughout the year.Read more
31 Mar 2026
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has recorded property tax collections exceeding INR 510 crore for the ongoing financial year, surpassing the previous year's total of INR 500 crore with days remaining in the fiscal cycle. The civic body is aiming to reach INR 600 crore by the end of the month, supported by a state government initiative offering a 50% interest waiver on pending dues. Collection efforts have been driven by recovery of arrears, vacant land tax assessments and payments from large private entities. The milestone highlights improved revenue mobilisation by the municipal authority, which is responsible for urban governance and infrastructure services in Visakhapatnam.Read more
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20 Mar 2026
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has initiated the Vizag Bay City coastal project, aiming to transform a 40 sq km stretch between Kailasagiri and Bheemunipatnam into a vibrant mixed use waterfront destination. The plan focuses on coastal tourism, global business ecosystems, and premium residential development. It will feature scenic corridors, heritage restoration, Blue Flag beaches, water sports, adventure parks, innovation districts, and luxury residences. By FY2032, the project aims to attract about 1.5 million high-value visitors annually, supporting regional economic growth and positioning Visakhapatnam as a global coastal city.Read more
16 Mar 2026
Visakhapatnam Port Authority has achieved a milestone, handling over 85 million tonnes of cargo in 345 days, the highest in its 92-year history. The port aims to reach 90 million tonnes this year and 100 million tonnes in 2026-27, reflecting strong operational growth. Alongside cargo achievements, the VPA has launched a major three-year dredging and beach nourishment project worth nearly INR 83 crore to support coastline conservation and prevent erosion at key areas, including RK Beach, in coordination with the state government.Read more
08 Mar 2026
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has directed officials to speed up several important road widening works across the Visakhapatnam metropolitan region to strengthen connectivity and ease traffic movement. Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharath reviewed the progress of multiple projects including the Adavivaram Shonthyam, Veppagunta Pinagadi, and Gambheeram Nerellavalasa Tallavalasa road stretches. During the inspection, officials were instructed to accelerate land acquisition, clear utility obstacles such as electrical poles, and ensure timely compensation or Transferable Development Rights (TDR) certificates for affected landowners. The projects are part of broader infrastructure efforts aimed at improving urban mobility as the city continues to expand.Read more
05 Mar 2026
Rising land prices and limited availability of well-located plots are reshaping Visakhapatnam's housing market, driving a shift toward 40-50 storey residential complexes. Developers are favoring high-rise projects to distribute steep land acquisition costs across more units, lowering per square-foot prices and offering enhanced amenities such as gyms, pools, and clubhouses. Demand remains strong due to growth in IT and allied sectors, with micro-markets like Madhurawada Kapuluppada, Anandapuram Kommadi, Bhogapuram Bheemili, and Yendada Rushikonda seeing increased activity. Vertical housing also improves land-use efficiency and aligns with modern buyer expectations.Read more
03 Mar 2026
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has commenced preparation of zone-wise development plans (ZDPs) following a recent administrative reorganisation that expanded its urban jurisdiction. Under the new approach, the city's territory has been divided into multiple zones, each with tailored planning strategies to address growth management, infrastructure provisioning and land-use priorities. GVMC officials said the exercise aims to rationalise development norms, improve civic service delivery and integrate peri-urban areas into a coordinated city planning framework. The planning process will involve extensive ground surveys, stakeholder consultations and data collection to inform draft ZDPs, which are expected to guide future development, zoning regulations, transportation networks and infrastructure investments. City planners noted that structured zone-wise planning aligned with the city's expanded geography will be critical to sustainable urban growth and improved quality of life in Visakhapatnam's evolving metropolitan region.Read more
25 Feb 2026
The Andhra Pradesh government has successfully completed land acquisition for a major advanced data centre project linked to Google in the Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli region, marking a significant step forward for large-scale technology infrastructure investment in South India. A total of about 601.4 acres has now been cleared and allotted through the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, up from an earlier approved 480 acres, to the notified developer for construction of data centre campuses. The expanded land parcel is expected to support part of the company's multi-billion-dollar investment one of the largest AI and hyperscale data centre initiatives in the country and will attract further economic activity and employment to the region. The allocation covers multiple sites and strengthens Visakhapatnam's position as a priority destination for global digital infrastructure projects.Read more
22 Feb 2026
Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat has sought central government support for a large-scale and planned redevelopment of Ramakrishna Beach, citing long-pending infrastructure and safety concerns. In his representation to the Union Tourism and Culture Ministry, he flagged traffic congestion, limited pedestrian access, weak drainage and damage to existing coastal structures. The proposal calls for a unified master plan covering public amenities, mobility, shoreline protection and parking. The Centre has acknowledged the submission and is expected to examine the proposal further.Read more
19 Feb 2026
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority has proposed a coastal corridor connecting Visakhapatnam with the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport as part of its revised draft master plan. The planned road, largely aligned along the coastline, is intended to improve regional connectivity while supporting future urban and economic expansion. The draft also incorporates long-term development proposals suggested by national policy bodies, covering tourism, IT, education, and healthcare zones. The authority has invited public feedback on the revised plan before it is finalised.Read more
18 Feb 2026
The Andhra Pradesh government has given the go-ahead to set up the first Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Visakhapatnam, aiming to accelerate slum redevelopment, improve living conditions and streamline rehabilitation processes. The decision follows approval of a detailed project report, and the authority will be tasked with preparing slum redevelopment plans, coordinating with civic bodies and implementing rehabilitation schemes in the city. Officials said the move is intended to address longstanding issues related to informal settlements, enhance infrastructure and unlock urban renewal opportunities. The authority will work on land pooling, redevelopment incentives, and integrating slum pockets with existing city planning frameworks. Government sources noted that the initiative could serve as a model for other cities in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting a growing focus on inclusive urban development.Read more
16 Feb 2026
The Union government is expected to grant approval soon for the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the proposed Vizag Metro Rail project, sources said, with an in-principle approval order anticipated within the next few days. Once cleared, the project will be referred to relevant ministries and placed before the Public Investment Board for appraisal and final sanction. The metro scheme, covering approximately 46.23 km with 42 stations across three corridors, carries an estimated cost of INR 11,500 crore. Funding is planned jointly by the Union and Andhra Pradesh governments, each contributing around 20 per cent, while the balance is expected to be raised from international lenders at competitive rates. Tendering activity has already started ahead of formal approval, with the successful bidder likely to be announced once the DPR is finalised. Approval is seen as a key milestone in advancing urban mobility and infrastructure in the city.Read more
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