Naidu directs micro-level blueprint for Visakhapatnam Economic Region

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed officials to prepare comprehensive micro-level development plans for the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER), with a focus on balanced growth, infrastructure expansion, industrial development, tourism, and employment generation.

Reviewing the progress of the project at the Secretariat in Amaravati, Mr. Naidu said the development strategy should encompass every region and sector within the VER and align with the aspirations of local communities. The review covered proposed projects, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) reclassification, the Visakhapatnam Bay City project, and the establishment of a Bay City Authority.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the region had the potential to attract investments worth nearly ₹9.5 lakh crore. Of this, around ₹5.3 lakh crore is expected from the private sector, while government projects are estimated to require investments of ₹3.5 lakh crore to ₹4 lakh crore. They highlighted major projects such as the Google AI data centre and the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel plant, which are expected to strengthen the region's industrial ecosystem.

The Bay City project has been identified as the anchor project for the region, complementing the existing information technology, data centre, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism infrastructure in and around Visakhapatnam. The Chief Minister stressed the need to ensure that development initiatives comply with CRZ regulations and coastal management plans. He said the proposed economic corridor should extend from Mulapeta Port in Srikakulam district to the Akhanda Godavari region in Rajamahendravaram, integrating tourism destinations, industrial hubs, townships, and experience zones.

Mr. Naidu directed officials to utilise funds from multiple schemes, attract additional support from the Union government, and ensure the integrated development of the six urban development authorities within the VER. He said the project should strengthen physical infrastructure while generating employment opportunities and improving the skills of local youth.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships and asked officials to explore the implementation of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme wherever necessary. He instructed the administration to communicate the benefits of the project, including job opportunities and improvements in infrastructure, to the public regularly.

Calling for the involvement of academic institutions in the planning process, Mr. Naidu said the expertise of Andhra University should be fully utilised in preparing the development blueprint. He also proposed the formation of a dedicated executive committee to oversee the implementation of the Bay City project.

Emphasising the strategic importance of east-west connectivity, Mr. Naidu said enhanced integration of roads, railways, ports, airports, logistics networks, global capability centres (GCCs), and financial technology infrastructure would accelerate economic growth. Stronger connectivity between Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, and western India would enhance trade and attract investments. Linking four airports and three ports in the region, he added, would significantly strengthen the area's economic potential.

The Chief Minister further directed officials to develop the Visakhapatnam zoo into a world-class tourist attraction, noting that the city's emergence as an international destination created new opportunities for tourism development.

Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials from the finance, industries, municipal administration, forest, energy, tourism, education, and health departments attended the meeting.