Visakhapatnam, commonly acknowledged as the biggest city of Andhra Pradesh, is currently at the center of a large development thrust by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. As Amaravati, the capital city, is yet to be developed and planned long-term, Vizag is proving to be the state’s most pressing and pragmatic choice for quick development. With its strategic position, strong infrastructure, and expanding industrial economy, Visakhapatnam is being molded into an integral economic and innovation center.
In a significant initiative, the government of Andhra Pradesh has suggested the development of the Visakhapatnam Economic Region a master development plan that will turn Vizag into a $120 billion economic tiger by 2032, comparable to the size and influence of cities such as Mumbai. The VER will stretch over eight districts: Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and Parvathipuram Manyam, all cooperating in a concerted manner to enhance employment, industry, and infrastructure.
In order to make this vision a reality, the Chief Minister has instructed officials to select 1 lakh acres of land to host large-scale economic and industrial projects. The project is likely to create almost 20 lakh jobs, with huge scope for work-from-home opportunities, especially in the IT and services industries. The government is eager to harness Vizag’s potential to become a ready-to-scale metro city, with an emphasis on positioning it as a future-ready business and investment destination for entrepreneurs and global investors.
Key plans under this initiative include the development of a coastal corridor stretching from Mulapeta in Srikakulam to Kakinada, establishment of six ports, seven manufacturing hubs, 17 major agricultural zones, six service centers, and twelve tourism destinations. These diverse components will be central to creating a vibrant, multi-sectoral economy.
At present, the proposed VER covers over 36,000 sq. km, housing a population of approximately 15.5 million people, and contributes around $49 billion to the state’s GDP. If the economic region develops as projected, the job market is expected to expand significantly, creating 20 to 24 lakh employment opportunities by the end of this decade.
Another major focus area is Information Technology. CM Naidu has aimed big at creating 4 to 5 lakh jobs in the IT sector alone. To complement this, he has also underscored the necessity for data centers, innovation campuses, and startup hubs, with the objective of developing Vizag into a leading digital and startup hub of India.
These development directives and strategic proposals were put forward recently by the Chief Minister in a NITI Aayog meeting held at the state secretariat in Amaravati. In this initiative, the government of Andhra Pradesh is charting out the course for developing Visakhapatnam as an economic region of global standard, which promises a rosy future for industry, innovation, and inclusive growth.