Visakhapatnam is set to witness significant growth in its information technology sector, as five companies, including Sify and Phenom People, have committed to establishing data centre operations in the city. The Andhra Pradesh government, earlier this week, approved land allotments for these companies, which have proposed a collective investment of INR 19,000 crore. These projects are expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities, positioning Visakhapatnam as a key player in India's digital infrastructure ecosystem. Authorities consider this initiative a pivotal step towards expanding the state's digital economy and supporting the broader vision of a technology-driven urban landscape.Read more

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has rolled out a new mechanism to automatically update property tax records in the name of new owners following property registration. This reform removes the need for manual name change applications and visits to municipal offices. Mutation charges are now collected at the sub-registrar's office itself, triggering real-time data integration into GVMC's system. Officials have called on citizens to stay informed about the new process, which is being seen as a major administrative ease measure in Andhra Pradesh's ongoing push for urban digitisation and governance transparency.Read more

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) concluded its final public consultations for the Draft Master Plan-2041 after extensive stakeholder engagement across Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Vizianagaram. Concerns over potential land-use favoritism prompted a deadline extension and the formation of a technical committee to review feedback. Spanning 6,700 sq km, the plan includes key infrastructure like Vizag Metro, Bhogapuram Airport, and the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. It also proposes transit-oriented zones, slum upgrades, and smart infrastructure. Focused on sustainable, inclusive development, the plan aims to balance growth with environmental protection and decentralised urban expansion across the fast-growing coastal region.Read more

Bengaluru-headquartered Sattva Group has committed an investment of INR 1,500 crore to develop a 30-acre mixed-use project named 'Sattva Vantage Vizag Campus' in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative follows recent discussions with Andhra Pradesh's IT Minister, Nara Lokesh. Designed with a focus on sustainability and smart urban infrastructure, the project will feature Grade A office spaces and premium residences. The group expects the development to create over 25,000 direct jobs and support Andhra Pradesh's economic ambitions. This comes alongside Sattva's growing footprint in Goa, Pune, Kolkata, and a potential entry into the Mumbai market.Read more

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) convened the first Visakhapatnam Retail Summit at Novotel to highlight Andhra Pradesh's fast-evolving retail sector. The event gathered top industry leaders and brands such as Neeru's, CMR, Kankatala, and BigBasket to discuss profitability beyond metro markets, tech integration, and customer shifts in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Speakers explored how Andhra's pro-business policies and rising consumer aspirations are transforming Visakhapatnam into a strategic retail hub. Key themes included localisation, digital access, and the balance between tradition and modernisation.Read more

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has approved a residential project featuring six 50-storey towers in Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam. This marks the first time in recent years such a project has been undertaken by an urban development authority in Andhra Pradesh. VMRDA will also develop middle-income group (MIG) housing projects in other parts of the city, offering subsidized 2BHK, 2.5BHK, and 3BHK flats. Both initiatives, under a public-private partnership model, aim to address housing needs and generate revenue, shifting VMRDA's focus to ready-to-move-in homes.Read more

The Patna Metro Rail Project is progressing well, with the priority corridor between Patna Junction and ISBT nearing completion. Bihar Urban Development Minister Jibesh Kumar recently inspected key sites, including the ISBT metro station and depot, and expressed satisfaction with the project's pace and quality. The 6.6-km priority corridor features five elevated stations: Malahi Pakri, Khemnichak (interchange), Bhoothnath, Zero Mile, and Patliputra ISBT. Inauguration is slated for August 15 this year. The ISBT depot, spanning 30.5 hectares, is being built at a cost of INR 142 crore and will support operations with maintenance facilities, a stabling yard, control centre, and sub-station. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is providing technical support. Once operational, the metro promises to improve urban mobility, offering Patna residents faster, safer, and eco-friendly transport options, marking a major step in Bihar's urban modernisation.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh government will begin construction of the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project in October 2025, with a double-decker model proposed to meet rising transport demands. A semi-ring road is also planned to improve connectivity, especially to the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport, with 15 of 22 approach roads already approved. In housing, INR 7,000 crore has been allocated to complete pending TIDCO homes, prioritizing women beneficiaries by Dasara. Under the AMRUT scheme, INR 834 crore is being invested in water supply projects. At a VMRDA review, key concerns like sanitation, water shortages, and infrastructure gaps were addressed, reflecting a holistic push for urban development.Read more

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) will conduct investor roadshows in Hyderabad and Bengaluru to promote a public-private partnership project for developing 88 acres in Madhurawada. Valued at INR 500 crore, the land holds strategic importance due to its proximity to major infrastructure, including a proposed metro station, an upcoming data centre, and Bhogapuram International Airport. VMRDA aims to attract investments for mixed-use developments such as residential, commercial, hospitality, and entertainment projects. This effort supports Andhra Pradesh's goal to become a USD 2.4 trillion economy by 2047, establishing Visakhapatnam as a key driver in the region's overall development.Read more

The District Magistrate of Patna, Chandrashekhar Singh, issued an order earlier this week to resolve all land mutation cases that have been pending for more than 75 days by the end of this month in an effort to increase administrative efficiency. The move targets key blocks such as Sampatchak, Bihta, Didarganj, Dhanrua, and Naubatpur, where the bulk of the backlog totalling around 14,108 cases remains. As part of the larger initiative to digitize and increase transparency in land-related services, the Patna Municipal Corporation has launched an online facility to expedite property mutation and tax assessments, and the Bihar government has implemented corrective measures to address procedural delays.Read more

Vidhi Sangoi

Patna is undergoing a major infrastructure overhaul, led by the INR 13,365.77 crore Patna Metro project, with the 6.6-km priority corridor set to open by August 15, 2025. The city will also host India's longest road bridge-the 9.76-km Kacchi Dargah-Bidupur Bridge-over the Ganges, and a INR 3,712.40 crore Patna-Arrah-Sasaram expressway. Under the Smart Cities Mission, 17 of 33 projects are complete, while the proposed Greater Patna plan will extend city limits to 14 new blocks. Together, these initiatives aim to ease congestion, boost connectivity, and prepare Patna for a projected 6 million population by 2050.Read more

Visakhapatnam's 30-year master plan is set for finalization within four months, focusing on urban infrastructure, sustainable growth, and public participation. The plan includes INR 500 crore investment for 35 new roads to ease congestion, especially near Bhogapuram International Airport. The Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project will enhance urban mobility, following successful models in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Upgrades in water supply and drainage will tackle shortages, inspired by Chennai and Hyderabad's initiatives. Overseen by VMRDA, the plan ensures public consultation via online access, promoting transparency. Balancing industrial growth and environmental sustainability, the initiative aims to modernize Visakhapatnam's urban landscape.Read more

The Andhra Pradesh government has outlined land acquisition details for the Vizag metro rail project, requiring 99.8 acres, including nine acres of private land. Phase one, covering 46.23 km with 42 stations, has an estimated cost of INR 11,498 crore. Key corridors include Vizag Steel Plant to Kommadi, Gurudwara to Old Post Office, and Thatichetlapalem to Chinna Waltair. Political delays slowed progress, but the NDA-led government is now seeking full central funding. With tenders pending approval, the project is set to enhance Vizag's transport infrastructure, though land acquisition and funding challenges remain critical hurdles.Read more

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is mapping land use for newly merged mandals, covering 2,456 sq km, to develop a master plan. Using DGPS and topographic surveys, VMRDA will digitize cadastral data and overlay satellite imagery for accurate land assessments. The expansion follows the 2020 and 2021 jurisdictional extensions, adding 14 mandals. The maps will integrate utility data, infrastructure networks, and approved layouts to ensure sustainable urban development. This initiative aims to provide structured regional planning for Visakhapatnam's growth, aligning future infrastructure needs with expanding urbanization.Read more

The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a 13-day campaign targeting property tax defaulters, beginning with visits to seven properties on Exhibition and Jamal Roads. Five owners cleared dues on the spot, while two sought extensions. With 491 defaulters identified citywide, PMC's efforts have raised daily collections to INR 22 lakh, with a target of INR 200 crore for 2024-25. Past tax drives funded urban improvements like infrastructure upgrades and waste management, and the current campaign aims to replicate this success. By intensifying enforcement and encouraging compliance, the PMC is boosting fiscal health and supporting Patna's urban development.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Patna has attached properties valued at INR 7.03 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The properties, located in Patna and Noida, are registered under M/s Sri Anuanand Construction Pvt Ltd and its director, Bimal Kumar. Investigations revealed that funds collected from buyers for a real estate project in Danapur, Patna, were misused. Instead of completing the project, INR 7.82 crore was allegedly diverted for acquiring personal assets.Read more

The Patna Metro, a INR 13,365.77 crore project overseen by the Patna Metro Rail Corporation Limited (PMRCL), aims to modernise Bihar's capital with efficient and eco-friendly transit. Comprising two corridors spanning 32.91 km - the East-West Corridor (Danapur Cantonment to Khemni Chak) and North-South Corridor (Patna Junction to New ISBT) - the metro promises reduced congestion and shorter commutes. Funded by central and state governments, with JICA financing 60%, the project is set to launch by August 2025. This transformative initiative will boost connectivity, economic growth, and quality of life, marking Patna's leap toward sustainable urban development.Read more