Tag: visakhapatnam

IndustryLatest Stories

Labour Shortage Stalls Visakhapatnam’s Construction Boom

Representative image VISAKHAPATNAM: Construction activity in Vizag is on the rise, both in public and private sectors. However, builders caution that this growth is being hampered by a shortage of skilled labor. Projects related to smart city upgrades, airport expansions, and housing are progressing, yet contractors report that the lack of trained workers is leading to delays and increased costs. Contractors are struggling to find experienced masons, electricians, and finishing workers. This shortage is extending project timelines and inflating labor costs, particularly impacting small and medium enterprises. National industry assessments pinpoint this lack of skilled labor as a significant challenge…

Latest StoriesResidential

AP CM: All PMAY Beneficiaries Should Receive BEE-Rated Appliances

VISAKHAPATNAM: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has instructed state officials to guarantee that all beneficiaries of PMAY receive BEE star-rated, energy-efficient appliances, thus promoting universal access to affordable and clean energy. In cooperation with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), the Andhra Pradesh housing department is set to distribute four LED bulbs, six LED tube lights, and two BLDC fans to approximately six lakh households by 2026, supported by additional state funding. The initiative aims to engage households in climate action and is projected to save 10.24 million kWh and significant financial resources annually, marking it as India’s largest energy efficiency…

CommercialLatest Stories

Andhra Pradesh Fast-Tracks IT Cluster Park in Kadapa

TIRUPATI: The Andhra Pradesh government, which has been promoting Visakhapatnam as the IT and AI capital of the state, is fast-tracking the establishment of an IT cluster park at Kadapa’s district headquarters. Confirming this development to TOI, Kadapa TDP legislator and government whip Reddeppagari Madhavi Reddy noted that a land parcel has already been identified for the proposed IT cluster park at the Kadapa constituency headquarters. “Since coming to power in 2024, the TDP-led NDA government has implemented a decentralized development model. This is evident as different regions in the state are being highlighted as specific hubs: Visakhapatnam as the…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Andhra Pradesh Launches Unified Urban Zoning Policy

VIJAYAWADA: In a significant move towards organized urban development, the state government has launched a unified zoning policy for all municipal corporations, municipalities, and urban development authorities. This initiative aims to resolve confusion stemming from inconsistent zoning regulations and to encourage sustainable growth in both urban and semi-urban regions through standardized land use guidelines. Previously, the state operated under 16 distinct land use categories, which often resulted in overlapping regulations and administrative hurdles. The decision to implement uniform zoning was made following comprehensive research conducted by a team of officials who explored best practices in states such as Odisha, Tamil…

IndustryLatest Stories

Builders Seek RERA Clarity as Andhra Pradesh Real Estate Revives

VIJAYAWADA: The real estate sector in Andhra Pradesh is experiencing a resurgence, with developers eager for the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) to enhance transparency and protect the interests of homebuyers and builders alike. Recent months have seen a surge in construction activity, especially in urban areas, fueled by improved infrastructure and rising investor confidence. According to guidelines, all housing projects must register with Rera prior to construction commencement. Authorities have indicated that non-compliance will lead to significant penalties, a move designed to protect buyers from misleading promotions while ensuring that developers adhere to approved plans and timelines. Several ongoing…

Latest StoriesResidential

Visakhapatnam: VMRDA Issues RFPs for High-Rise Development

VISHAKAPATNAM: The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has announced requests for proposals (RFPs) for the construction of apartment complexes in Midhilapuri and Vepagunta, as well as a 50-storey tower in Madhurawada. This marks VMRDA’s first initiative in residential housing projects in over a decade, as they have primarily focused on selling plots and land for government layouts in recent years. According to VMRDA, the upcoming projects will be executed using a public-private partnership (PPP) model and are expected to be priced below current market rates, catering to the ‘middle income group’ housing segment in Midhilapuri and Vepagunta. The 50-storey…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Joint Venture Approved for Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada Metro

Representative Image VIJAYAWADA: To encourage joint venture (JV) participation in the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) for Phase 1 of the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects, the AP Metro Rail Corporation (APMRCL) has officially stated that a maximum of three bidders can form a JV to take part in the bidding process. This initiative aims to enhance competition among bidders for both metro rail projects. However, the APMRCL has declined the bidders’ suggestion to divide the metro project works into multiple packages, which was proposed during the pre-bid meeting. In an interview with TOI, APMRCL MD NP Rama Krishna Reddy…

IndustryLatest Stories

Andhra Pradesh Real Estate Sector Shows Recovery Signs

VIJAYAWADA: After a five-year stagnation, the real estate sector in Andhra Pradesh appears to be experiencing new growth. There has been an uptick in land transactions throughout the state, reflecting a renewed interest from buyers in real estate investments. The increase in revenue from stamp duties and registrations further indicates a recovery in the market. The stamps and registrations department reported a 46% revenue growth in the first quarter of the current financial year compared to the same period in 2024. The year-to-date growth stands at 39%, signaling a positive shift for the sector. Following the launch of projects worth…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

VMRDA Plans Four Theme-Based Townships in Visakhapatnam

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a transaction advisor for the development of four theme-based townships in Kothavalasa village of Bheemili mandal, Sontyam in Anandapuram mandal, and two additional locations. Covering an approximate area of 500 acres, these projects will create integrated and self-sustaining urban clusters. Each township will revolve around distinct themes, including IT and innovation, health and wellness, education, tourism, and culture. Given their proximity to the IT hub in Madhurawada and the emerging industries in Anandapuram and Bheemili, these townships aim to foster a walk-to-work culture.…

CommercialLatest Stories

5 IT Firms Receive Land in Visakhapatnam, Commit ₹19,000 Crore

VISAKHAPATNAM: The state’s tech ecosystem receives a major boost as the government allocates land parcels to five IT companies, including data center projects, with an estimated investment of ₹19,000 crore. The government approved the allotment of 3.6 acres at the IT SEZ in Madhurawada to Sify Infinit Spaces Limited at ₹1 crore per acre, mandating that operations begin within two years. Additionally, Sify has been granted 25 acres in Paradesipalem at ₹50 lakh per acre for establishing a 550 MW data center, with a projected investment of ₹15,266 crore and the potential to create 600 jobs. Phenom People Private Limited…