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

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

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

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

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 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

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

PNT Reporter

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has revamped its building plan approval system, significantly improving timelines over the past two months. Previously marred by delays, the online system introduced in 2016 now ensures faster communication of deficiencies and earlier approvals. Notably, 71% of plans are approved within the first week, compared to 20% earlier. In parallel, the Andhra Pradesh government is introducing additional reforms, including a single-window system and a new policy allowing municipal approvals to be bypassed for buildings under 15 metres. These changes aim to streamline processes and expedite clearances.Read more