YSR Congress Party MPs have raised concerns over rising pollution levels in Visakhapatnam and the poor condition of a key highway stretch in Andhra Pradesh, calling for urgent intervention by state and central authorities. They highlighted worsening air and noise pollution in the port city due to traffic congestion, industrial activity and heavy vehicle movement, which is impacting public health and livability. The MPs also flagged safety risks on a narrow and damaged highway linking major commercial and industrial zones. They urged faster road upgrades, improved safety infrastructure and stricter pollution controls, noting that addressing these issues is crucial for public safety, smoother logistics and sustaining investor confidence in the region' s industrial and real estate growth.Read more

Nine companies have started work on new IT projects in Visakhapatnam with a combined planned investment of about INR 3,700 crore. The Andhra Pradesh government recently laid the foundation for these developments, which are expected to generate nearly 41,700 jobs. Cognizant will invest INR 1,583 crore to build a new IT campus at Kapuluppada IT Hills, planned in three phases and designed to focus on AI, digital engineering, and cloud services. Until the main facility is ready, Cognizant will operate from a temporary office at Rushikonda IT Park.Read more

Visakhapatnam's construction boom has been slowed by a serious shortage of skilled labour, which is affecting a wide range of projects from housing to smart-city upgrades and civic infrastructure. Builders struggle to find trained masons, electricians and finishing workers, leading to delayed timelines and rising costs. The shortage hits small and medium firms hardest while public works and municipal projects also face delays. In response, CREDAI Visakhapatnam is setting up a skill-development centre, and experts call for structured apprenticeships and on-site training to bridge the labour gap.Read more

Work has begun on a 4.26 km, four-lane road over the Rajiv Nagar-Kurji drain in Patna, aimed at easing traffic for over 2 lakh residents. The project includes converting the open drain into a covered box drain and constructing a wide road with footpaths, street lighting, and drainage infrastructure. Contracted at INR 149.5?crore, it will connect key localities including Rajiv Nagar, Mahesh Nagar, Indrapuri, and Patel Nagar, addressing congestion, waterlogging, and sanitation challenges. Completion is expected within two years.Read more

The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has rolled out a relief scheme allowing property owners to clear overdue municipal tax by paying only the principal - all interest and penalties will be waived. The scheme, approved under the Bihar Municipal Property Tax Incentive Scheme - 2025, offers a one-time settlement (OTS) option for dues from the current and prior years. It applies to residential, commercial, industrial, institutional properties, and even those owned by state or central government. Pending legal cases or unassessed properties are also eligible, provided formal withdrawal or assessment is completed. PMC has cautioned that any falsification or concealment of facts will lead to cancellation of waiver benefits.Read more

Work on Patna Metro's priority corridor, part of Corridor II, has reached its final stage. Three stations are operational, while Malahi Pakri and Khemnichak are being completed on a high-priority schedule. Critical systems like track laying, signalling, and electrification are under round-the-clock monitoring. The 6.5?km elevated section, once operational, will connect five key stations, easing traffic in the city. Simultaneously, preparatory work continues for Corridor I and Corridor II, which together will form a 31?km network with 24 stations, combining elevated and underground stretches across Patna.Read more

Bihar Chief Shri Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed the Danapur-Bihta elevated corridor and the Sherpur-Dighwara Ganga bridge this week and asked officials to speed up the remaining work. Authorities briefed him that construction on both projects is progressing without major hurdles. The Danapur-Bihta corridor is planned to improve access between Patna, NH-922, Koilwar bridge and the upcoming Bihta International Airport. The Sherpur-Dighwara bridge will link with JP Ganga Path, offering a smoother route towards Chhapra, Siwan, Gopalganj and Hajipur, helping reduce traffic inside Patna.Read more

Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works Ltd. has received a 15-year contract from Visakhapatnam Port Authority for a contractor-owned battery-electric green tug with a 60-tonne bollard pull capacity. The deal, valued at INR 384.33 crore including taxes, covers complete manning, operations, maintenance and technical management. This is the company's second long-term green tug order, following a similar contract at VO Chidambaranar Port Authority. The company will build both tugs through a joint venture with Synergy Shipbuilders, benefiting from shared procurement and construction efficiencies as India expands its green-tug programme.Read more

Lulu Group International has revived its long-stalled shopping mall project in Visakhapatnam after signing a fresh MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government. The 13.43-acre site at Harbour Park on RK Beach Road was recently handed back to APIIC, removing the final obstacle to construction. The plan features an international-standard mall with a Lulu Hypermarket, global retail brands, an eight-screen IMAX multiplex, a food court, fine-dining options and a Funtura amusement zone. Lulu Group has reiterated its earlier requests for a 99-year lease and a three-year rent-free period. The INR 1,066-crore project is expected to generate about 5,000 direct and 12,000 indirect jobs and will also support upcoming food-processing and export facilities in the state.Read more

Google Cloud has announced a USD 15 billion investment to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, reflecting strong demand for local AI and data solutions. The project will include a large-scale data centre and sovereign infrastructure to keep user data within India. According to Matt Renner, president of global revenue at Google Cloud, Indian businesses in both B2B and B2C sectors are driving broad AI adoption. The initiative underscores India�s growing digital infrastructure market and Google�s long-term expansion strategy in the country.Read more

The first operational section of the Patna Metro, covering a 3.45-km elevated stretch from Pataliputra Bus Terminal to Bhoothnath, began services last month. Developed at a total project cost of INR 13,925.5 crore, the metro is jointly funded by JICA, the central, and the state governments. Managed by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), this launch precedes full operations planned for 2027. While the opening has created public excitement, several residents have pointed out incomplete civil work and slower train speeds compared to metros in larger cities.Read more

Patna Smart City Limited installed a surveillance network of 187 cameras covering 35 major ghats along the Ganga river to support the forthcoming Chhath Mahaparv in Patna. The cameras, which include fixed and pan-tilt-zoom units, are linked to the city's Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). Four temporary control rooms will also be operational, managed by district administration and police teams. Alongside this, 16 public address (PA) systems at the ghats will broadcast safety and cleanliness messages.Read more

Sify Infinit Spaces, a subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Sify Technologies, has commenced development of a 50 MW AI-powered Edge Data Center and an Open Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. With an investment of INR 1,500 crore, the project will be executed in two phases and is expected to generate employment for over 1,000 people. It aims to enhance AI computing capabilities, provide low-latency connectivity with Southeast Asia and Australia, and strengthen the city's position as a key hub for digital infrastructure and global connectivity.Read more

Patna's metro services began with the inauguration of the Blue Line's first phase by Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar. The 3.6-kilometer elevated stretch links ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhoothnath stations and is part of Corridor-II, which will cover 14.5 kilometers in total. Trains feature seating for 158 passengers and standing space for 940, with designs reflecting Bihar's cultural heritage. Stations and depots are equipped with modern amenities. The INR 13,925-crore project, started in 2019, faced delays but promises to ease traffic and modernize the city's public transport.Read more

ITC Hotels has signed a definitive agreement with Kumar Infra Hotel Private Limited (KIHPL) to operate a 140-room luxury hotel in Patna, Bihar. Awarded through a competitive government bidding process, the project forms part of Bihar's ongoing tourism development strategy. Spanning 1.5 acres, the hotel aims to strengthen the state's luxury hospitality segment. ITC Hotels plans to showcase its renowned culinary standards and service quality while reflecting the local culture, heritage, and traditions through architecture, arts, crafts, and curated indigenous experiences.Read more

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has launched a INR 175 crore project to build seven master plan roads totaling 27 km, aimed at enhancing connectivity to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport. These roads pass through key areas including Bheemili, Anandapuram, Gambheeram, and Adavivaram-Sontyam near Simhachalam. The project is designed to reduce congestion on the national highway and support smoother traffic flow. Officials highlighted that these roads will also act as development corridors, boosting regional infrastructure and urban growth.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) has authorized joint venture (JV) participation in the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) tenders for Phase 1 of the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects. This move aims to encourage wider participation and expedite project completion. The Phase 1 tenders cover 46.23 km in Visakhapatnam and 38 km in Vijayawada, accounting for 40% of each project's cost and focusing on civil works. The APMRC has set the tender submission deadlines for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro projects as October 10 and October 14, respectively, with no plans for extensions. The metro projects are expected to be completed within 35 to 40 months and become operational by 2028.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has announced plans to launch a 310-key Taj hotel in Visakhapatnam, marking the debut of the iconic brand in the coastal city. The greenfield project, developed in partnership with Varun Hospitality Pvt Ltd, reflects IHCL's strategy to expand its footprint in key leisure and business destinations. MD & CEO Puneet Chhatwal said the venture strengthens the company's partnership with Varun Hospitality while adding a landmark property to its portfolio. As Visakhapatnam grows as both a tourist and commercial hub, the new Taj hotel is expected to elevate the city's hospitality landscape with world-class luxury offerings.Read more

Hindustan Construction Company Ltd (HCC) has secured two contracts worth INR 1,418.3 crore and INR 1,147.51 crore from Patna Metro Rail Corporation Ltd under Phase I of the Patna Metro project. The works span 10.67 km of underground twin tunnels using Tunnel Boring Machines and six metro stations on the Danapur-Khemnichak Corridor. Package PC-05 includes tunnels, a cut-and-cover ramp at Mithapur, and stations at Vikas Bhawan, Vidyut Bhawan, and Patna Station. Package PC-06 covers an underground ramp at Rukanpura and stations at Rukanpura, Raja Bazar, and Patna Zoo. HCC, with metro experience in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, strengthens its role in India's metro infrastructure.Read more

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority initiated plans to develop four theme-based, self-sustaining townships covering about 500 acres. Each will focus on sectors such as IT and innovation, health and wellness, education and knowledge, or tourism and culture. Located near industrial hubs, the developments are aimed at encouraging a walk-to-work culture. A transaction advisor will be appointed to assess feasibility, structure funding models, and oversee the bidding process. The initiative is expected to generate major employment opportunities and attract significant domestic and international investments.Read more