Visakhapatnam News Desk

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

Visakhapatnam News Desk

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

Visakhapatnam News Desk

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

07 Jan 2026

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has announced plans to develop approximately 25,000 plots targeted at middle-income homebuyers in 2026, as part of a broader initiative to expand affordable housing options within the region. The programme forms one of the authority's key goals for the year, which also include finalising a comprehensive master plan, improving major road networks, accelerating key infrastructure projects and enhancing citizen-centric services. VMRDA officials said the push for housing plots is aimed at addressing growing residential demand while supporting planned urban growth. The initiative is expected to strengthen land supply for middle-income buyers amid expanding real estate markets.Read more

05 Jan 2026

GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited has completed a crucial regulatory step for the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport with the successful conduct of a validation flight. The exercise assessed runway readiness, air navigation systems and overall airside infrastructure as part of the process to obtain an aerodrome licence. Officials from the civil aviation ministry, Airports Authority of India, Andhra Pradesh government and GMR were present. With construction largely completed, the development signals steady progress toward starting commercial operations and strengthening regional air connectivity.Read more

29 Dec 2025

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has launched an online system allowing residents to obtain survey certificates for buildings and vacant plots without visiting offices in person. Applicants can register, submit documents, track application status, and download certificates through the official portal, with approvals expected within seven days. The platform also handles urban land ceiling and government land survey applications in coordination with the mandal revenue office. GVMC staff are receiving training to ensure smooth operations, reflecting the corporation's push to digitise services and improve convenience for property owners.Read more

15 Dec 2025

YSR Congress Party MPs have raised concerns over rising pollution levels in Visakhapatnam and the poor condition of a key highway stretch in Andhra Pradesh, calling for urgent intervention by state and central authorities. They highlighted worsening air and noise pollution in the port city due to traffic congestion, industrial activity and heavy vehicle movement, which is impacting public health and livability. The MPs also flagged safety risks on a narrow and damaged highway linking major commercial and industrial zones. They urged faster road upgrades, improved safety infrastructure and stricter pollution controls, noting that addressing these issues is crucial for public safety, smoother logistics and sustaining investor confidence in the region' s industrial and real estate growth.Read more

13 Dec 2025

Nine companies have started work on new IT projects in Visakhapatnam with a combined planned investment of about INR 3,700 crore. The Andhra Pradesh government recently laid the foundation for these developments, which are expected to generate nearly 41,700 jobs. Cognizant will invest INR 1,583 crore to build a new IT campus at Kapuluppada IT Hills, planned in three phases and designed to focus on AI, digital engineering, and cloud services. Until the main facility is ready, Cognizant will operate from a temporary office at Rushikonda IT Park.Read more

10 Dec 2025

Visakhapatnam's construction boom has been slowed by a serious shortage of skilled labour, which is affecting a wide range of projects from housing to smart-city upgrades and civic infrastructure. Builders struggle to find trained masons, electricians and finishing workers, leading to delayed timelines and rising costs. The shortage hits small and medium firms hardest while public works and municipal projects also face delays. In response, CREDAI Visakhapatnam is setting up a skill-development centre, and experts call for structured apprenticeships and on-site training to bridge the labour gap.Read more

24 Nov 2025

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd. has received a 15-year contract from Visakhapatnam Port Authority for a contractor-owned battery-electric green tug with a 60-tonne bollard pull capacity. The deal, valued at INR 384.33 crore including taxes, covers complete manning, operations, maintenance and technical management. This is the company's second long-term green tug order, following a similar contract at VO Chidambaranar Port Authority. The company will build both tugs through a joint venture with Synergy Shipbuilders, benefiting from shared procurement and construction efficiencies as India expands its green-tug programme.Read more

22 Nov 2025

Lulu Group International has revived its long-stalled shopping mall project in Visakhapatnam after signing a fresh MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government. The 13.43-acre site at Harbour Park on RK Beach Road was recently handed back to APIIC, removing the final obstacle to construction. The plan features an international-standard mall with a Lulu Hypermarket, global retail brands, an eight-screen IMAX multiplex, a food court, fine-dining options and a Funtura amusement zone. Lulu Group has reiterated its earlier requests for a 99-year lease and a three-year rent-free period. The INR 1,066-crore project is expected to generate about 5,000 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs and will also support upcoming food-processing and export facilities in the state.Read more

15 Nov 2025

Google Cloud has announced a USD 15 billion investment to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, reflecting strong demand for local AI and data solutions. The project will include a large-scale data centre and sovereign infrastructure to keep user data within India. According to Matt Renner, president of global revenue at Google Cloud, Indian businesses in both B2B and B2C sectors are driving broad AI adoption. The initiative underscores India�s growing digital infrastructure market and Google�s long-term expansion strategy in the country.Read more

21 Oct 2025

Sify Infinit Spaces, a subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Sify Technologies, has commenced development of a 50 MW AI-powered Edge Data Center and an Open Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. With an investment of INR 1,500 crore, the project will be executed in two phases and is expected to generate employment for over 1,000 people. It aims to enhance AI computing capabilities, provide low-latency connectivity with Southeast Asia and Australia, and strengthen the city's position as a key hub for digital infrastructure and global connectivity.Read more

06 Oct 2025

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has launched a INR 175 crore project to build seven master plan roads totaling 27 km, aimed at enhancing connectivity to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport. These roads pass through key areas including Bheemili, Anandapuram, Gambheeram, and Adavivaram-Sontyam near Simhachalam. The project is designed to reduce congestion on the national highway and support smoother traffic flow. Officials highlighted that these roads will also act as development corridors, boosting regional infrastructure and urban growth.Read more

26 Sep 2025

The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) has authorized joint venture (JV) participation in the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) tenders for Phase 1 of the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects. This move aims to encourage wider participation and expedite project completion. The Phase 1 tenders cover 46.23 km in Visakhapatnam and 38 km in Vijayawada, accounting for 40% of each project's cost and focusing on civil works. The APMRC has set the tender submission deadlines for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro projects as October 10 and October 14, respectively, with no plans for extensions. The metro projects are expected to be completed within 35 to 40 months and become operational by 2028.Read more

25 Sep 2025

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has announced plans to launch a 310-key Taj hotel in Visakhapatnam, marking the debut of the iconic brand in the coastal city. The greenfield project, developed in partnership with Varun Hospitality Pvt Ltd, reflects IHCL's strategy to expand its footprint in key leisure and business destinations. MD & CEO Puneet Chhatwal said the venture strengthens the company's partnership with Varun Hospitality while adding a landmark property to its portfolio. As Visakhapatnam grows as both a tourist and commercial hub, the new Taj hotel is expected to elevate the city's hospitality landscape with world-class luxury offerings.Read more

13 Aug 2025

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority initiated plans to develop four theme-based, self-sustaining townships covering about 500 acres. Each will focus on sectors such as IT and innovation, health and wellness, education and knowledge, or tourism and culture. Located near industrial hubs, the developments are aimed at encouraging a walk-to-work culture. A transaction advisor will be appointed to assess feasibility, structure funding models, and oversee the bidding process. The initiative is expected to generate major employment opportunities and attract significant domestic and international investments.Read more

10 Aug 2025

Visakhapatnam is set to witness significant growth in its information technology sector, as five companies, including Sify and Phenom People, have committed to establishing data centre operations in the city. The Andhra Pradesh government, earlier this week, approved land allotments for these companies, which have proposed a collective investment of INR 19,000 crore. These projects are expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities, positioning Visakhapatnam as a key player in India's digital infrastructure ecosystem. Authorities consider this initiative a pivotal step towards expanding the state's digital economy and supporting the broader vision of a technology-driven urban landscape.Read more

04 Aug 2025

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has rolled out a new mechanism to automatically update property tax records in the name of new owners following property registration. This reform removes the need for manual name change applications and visits to municipal offices. Mutation charges are now collected at the sub-registrar's office itself, triggering real-time data integration into GVMC's system. Officials have called on citizens to stay informed about the new process, which is being seen as a major administrative ease measure in Andhra Pradesh's ongoing push for urban digitisation and governance transparency.Read more

21 Jul 2025

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) concluded its final public consultations for the Draft Master Plan-2041 after extensive stakeholder engagement across Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram. Concerns over potential land-use favoritism prompted a deadline extension and the formation of a technical committee to review feedback. Spanning 6,700 sq km, the plan includes key infrastructure like Vizag Metro, Bhogapuram Airport, and the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. It also proposes transit-oriented zones, slum upgrades, and smart infrastructure. Focused on sustainable, inclusive development, the plan aims to balance growth with environmental protection and decentralised urban expansion across the fast-growing coastal region.Read more