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

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

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