VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive master plan for Visakhapatnam, tailored to future investments and needs. He remarked that numerous companies are flocking to the city, where available land is scarce.
During a meeting of the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) on Wednesday, Naidu emphasized the importance of securing appropriate land for incoming investment projects and developing the necessary infrastructure for future growth.
In response to concerns raised about traffic and infrastructure difficulties in cities like Pune and Bengaluru, Naidu advised developing a sustainable master plan that would cater to Visakhapatnam’s requirements over the coming decades. He instructed officials to prioritize plans for airport-rail links, highways, and metro connectivity. He stressed the importance of creating a viable ecosystem that would allow local communities to thrive alongside corporate expansions.
The SIPB approved four new companies to establish operations in Visakhapatnam, with global brands Sify, Sattva, BVM, and ANSR pledging a combined investment of ₹20,216 crores. This decision, made under Naidu’s leadership, is expected to generate 50,600 jobs.
HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, who chairs the subcommittee, outlined details of the proposed investments, noting that the entry of these prestigious firms would significantly enhance Visakhapatnam’s status. He also provided updates on discussions with the companies, covering their strengths and pertinent challenges.
To date, 113 projects have been approved in SIPB meetings since the NDA government took office last year, encompassing 46 industrial projects, 41 in energy, 11 in tourism, 11 in IT, and 4 in food processing. These initiatives are expected to attract investments totaling ₹5,94,454 crores, creating jobs for 5,56,568 individuals.
