Visakha Utsav To Boost Vizag’s Global Profile: Palla
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan have shown special focus on strengthening the tourism sector and have decided to develop Visakhapatnam into an international tourism hub: TD state president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao
VISAKHAPATNAM: TD state president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao said the upcoming Visakha Utsav, also known as the Vizag Beach Festival, scheduled from January 23 to 31, will significantly enhance Visakhapatnam’s national and international profile.
He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan have shown special focus on strengthening the tourism sector and have decided to develop Visakhapatnam into an international tourism hub. As part of this initiative, the government has decided to revive Visakha Utsav and organise it on a grand scale.
Palla said tourism development in Andhra Pradesh is gaining momentum with support from both the Central and state governments. He criticised the previous administration for failing to conduct Visakha Utsav over the past five years and asserted that the present coalition government is committed to restoring and expanding major tourism festivals.
Speaking to reporters at his office, Palla said the Chief Minister has consistently viewed Visakhapatnam as central to the state’s economic future. He described the creation of the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER), spanning nine districts from Srikakulam to Konaseema, as a historic step towards the comprehensive development of North Andhra Pradesh.
He said the first steering committee meeting held on December 12, along with the Chief Minister’s aerial survey and the formation of a high-level committee that includes Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, reflects a focused and time-bound governance approach.
According to Palla, the VER covers nearly 36,000 square kilometres and aligns with NITI Aayog’s objectives. Seven growth sectors and 49 major projects have been identified, with a target of attracting ₹10 lakh crore in investments and building a $135-billion regional economy by 2031. Progress will be reviewed once every three months.
He also said the establishment of a railway zone in Visakhapatnam and renewed support for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant were outcomes of the alliance government’s efforts. Referring to the recent conveyor belt incident at the steel plant, Palla said an investigation is underway and assured strict action against those found responsible.
Expressing confidence in the state’s direction, he said Andhra Pradesh has returned to a development-oriented path and that the VER will emerge as the key economic engine of the state.