Chandrababu Naidu Unveils Vision to Transform Visakhapatnam Into a World-Class Bay City

Visakhapatnam, June 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan to transform Visakhapatnam into a globally competitive Bay City, with a strong focus on tourism, infrastructure, investment, and regional economic growth.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the proposed Visakha Economic Region (VER), attended by district collectors, public representatives, and senior officials from nine districts, the Chief Minister laid out an ambitious development roadmap aimed at positioning the region as a major economic and tourism hub.

A key proposal discussed during the meeting was the development of a Bay City corridor extending from Kailasagiri to Bhogapuram. Naidu instructed officials to accelerate planning and implementation for the project, which is expected to become a landmark urban and tourism initiative.

To ensure efficient execution of projects under the Visakha Economic Region, the Chief Minister suggested establishing a dedicated Project Monitoring Unit (PMU). The proposed unit would coordinate development activities, track progress, and facilitate timely completion of key infrastructure works.

Naidu also directed officials to build a large convention centre on 303 acres of land belonging to the Greyhounds department. He emphasized that the convention facility could significantly enhance Visakhapatnam’s ability to host national and international events, conferences, and exhibitions.

Highlighting tourism as a major driver of economic growth, the Chief Minister called for the comprehensive development of Kailasagiri as both a spiritual and tourist destination. He also encouraged investment in beach-based recreation projects, including water sports, adventure activities, and entertainment facilities designed to attract visitors of all age groups.

In addition, he instructed authorities to modernize the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park and enhance its appeal as a major tourism attraction. He stressed the need to preserve and promote the region’s unique natural and cultural assets, including the famous Erra Matti Dibbalu, known for its rare red sand dunes, as well as the area’s rich Buddhist heritage sites.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the vast tourism potential of the Godavari region. He noted that projects such as the Akhanda Godavari initiative in Rajamahendravaram, along with the Polavaram Project and the scenic Papikondalu hill ranges, could emerge as major tourism destinations with improved infrastructure and private investment.

Naidu further directed officials to plan and develop modern townships around emerging industrial zones to support economic expansion and provide quality urban infrastructure for residents and workers.

Seeking wider public participation in shaping the region’s future, the Chief Minister proposed making the NITI Aayog report on the Visakha Economic Region publicly accessible. He suggested inviting ideas and recommendations from students, intellectuals, industry experts, and other stakeholders to enrich the development blueprint.

The review meeting was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, state ministers K. Atchannaidu and Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, legislators, district collectors from Srikakulam to East Godavari, and senior government officials overseeing finance, industry, transport, health, and information technology sectors.

The proposed Visakha Economic Region is expected to serve as a key engine of growth for northern Andhra Pradesh, integrating tourism, industry, urban development, and infrastructure under a long-term vision for sustainable regional development.