InfrastructureLatest Stories

Andhra Pradesh Considers Mumbai Model for Vizag 2.0 Development

File Photo VISAKHAPATNAM: The NITI Aayog, through the Vizag Growth Hub initiative, has put forth a plan to develop a Bay City between Kailasagiri and Bheemili. This also includes the expansion of Vizag 2.0, reaching towards the upcoming Bhogapuram airport and the associated aerocity project. A team from Andhra Pradesh, primarily from the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) and led by municipal administration and urban development principal secretary S. Suresh Kumar, visited Mumbai on January 12 and 13 to explore similar urban development models. The visit aimed to gain insights into the operations of the City and Industrial Development…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

VMRDA to Create 25,000 Middle-Income Plots in Visakhapatnam

Representative AI image VISAKHAPATNAM: The VMRDA is set to develop approximately 25,000 plots for middle-income group layouts by 2026, as stated by Metropolitan Commissioner N Tej Bharath on Friday. “This year, we aim to accomplish 10 major objectives. These include finalizing a master plan that meets citizen needs, completing significant road projects on time, promoting transit-oriented development, and addressing long-standing land disputes,” he said. Further priorities involve laying the groundwork for essential projects within the next six to seven months, modernizing museums managed by VMRDA, building a semi-ring road from Bhogapuram to Rambilli, and identifying challenges in VMRDA’s constituencies,” added…

IndustryLatest Stories

IT Investment Boosts Visakhapatnam Plot Prices by 60%

Representative image VISAKHAPATNAM: Land and plot auctions by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) reflect public interest in the city’s real estate. The recent auctions on December 17 and 18 for remaining plots in middle-income group (MIG) layouts gained attention, driven by nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore in investments announced in Anandapuram, Kapuluppada, and Rushikonda, particularly in IT and digital infrastructure. At the Palavalasa MIG layout, located three kilometers from Tarluwada village—where Google’s data center is being established—prices soared. Seven plots, initially priced at ₹14,500 per square yard, saw bids rise significantly, with the highest reaching ₹23,700 (a 64% increase),…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

AP HC requests government response on Vizag IT park land grant

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has instructed the state government to submit a counter affidavit detailing the applications received for land allotment intended for the development of an IT park in Visakhapatnam, along with the policy framework guiding such allotments. However, the court chose not to grant an injunction on the allotment process involving Raheja Corporation Limited. The order was issued in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by G Srinivasa Rao of the Society for Protection of Constitutional Rights, aiming to challenge the allotment of 27.1 acres at Madhurawada IT Hill-3 under the AP Land Incentive…

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…