Visakhapatnam Set For Major Growth Push, Says BJP AP Chief

Andhra Pradesh BJP president P.V.N. Madhav said on Saturday that comprehensive plans were being prepared to transform Visakhapatnam into a world-class city and a key driver of the state’s economic growth.

Addressing the media, Madhav said the government aimed to attract investments worth `21.64 lakh crore over the next two years, generating direct and indirect employment for about 23 lakh people. He said the state government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, was focusing on infrastructure, industries, information technology, transport, ports, aviation, railways and urban infrastructure to meet the city’s future needs.

He said a separate development vision for 2032 envisaged investments of ₹9.30 lakh crore to position Visakhapatnam as an investment destination and a globally recognised city. Plans were also under way to develop the city as a “Bay City” by leveraging its 51.88-km coastline and creating an economic zone and corridor to attract investments.

Madhav said Visakhapatnam was emerging as an industrial and financial hub, with expansion in industries, IT services, startups, logistics and port-based businesses. He cited the Google data centre, South Coast Railway Zone, Bhogapuram International Airport and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel plant as major projects expected to boost investment and employment in the region.

On railway development, he said steps were being taken to expand Visakhapatnam Railway Station from eight platforms to 14 to meet future passenger and train traffic.

Madhav said the “double-engine government” was committed to developing Visakhapatnam into an international financial hub and a leading industrial, IT, commercial and logistics centre.