Chief Secretary sets ambitious goals for Visakhapatnam Development

Jawahar Reddy conducted a comprehensive review of the progress of several projects and initiatives at the VMRDA office, situated at Siripuram Junction. Present at the meeting were key officials, including VMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner A Mallikarjuna, AP Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director U J M Rao, and GVMC Commissioner C M Saikanth Varma.

Rao outlined the Metro Rail project's four-phase development plan: the first phase spanning from Vizag Steel Plant to Kommadi, the second from Gurudwara Junction to Old Post Office, the third from Thatichetlapalem to China Waltair, and the fourth connecting Kommadi to Bhogapuram International Greenfield Airport. Rao urged the relevant authorities to commence work on the Metro Rail project without delay.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary also inquired about the progress of various projects undertaken by VMRDA and GVMC.

It was revealed that VMRDA's total jurisdiction in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh covers 6836.15 square kilometres. A master plan has already been approved for an area of 4380.67 square kilometres, while a draft Master Plan for the remaining 2455.48 square kilometres is pending. The Chief Secretary instructed officials to prepare the draft master plan for this balance area.

In recognition of Visakhapatnam's selection as one of four cities for a pilot project by the Centre, alongside Mumbai, Surat, and Varanasi, the Chief Secretary directed officials to position Visakhapatnam as a special destination in the country, with distinctive theme projects and improved infrastructure. The State government is committed to prioritising the city's development.

Specific projects mentioned by the Chief Secretary for the city's development include the National History Museum, Signature Tower, and Convention Centre at Kapuluppada, a Water Park on the Vizag-Bheemili road, Science City on Kailasagiri Hills, and the construction of the Kalavani Indoor Stadium, modeled after Hyderabad's Kalabharati.

Furthermore, he recommended a focus on increasing green spaces and water bodies to mitigate water-related issues and improve the city's overall environmental hygiene.