VISAKHAPATNAM: Following NITI Aayog’s proposal for the development of ‘Vizag Bay City’ as a 40-sq-km integrated coastal hub, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is now moving forward with this initiative.
The urban development agency has issued a request for proposals to find a consultant that will create an area development plan along with a catalytic project strategy. The NITI report outlines a vision to transform a 25-km stretch along the coastline between Kailasagiri and Bheemunipatnam into a lively, mixed-use waterfront city.
Inspired by global models like Miami’s Bayshore Corridor and Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach, the Bay City proposal fits into the broader Visakhapatnam Economic Region plan. This nine-district area, extending from Srikakulam to Konaseema, has been marked as a national growth hub.
The development strategy is built on three main pillars. The first pillar emphasizes coastal tourism, focusing on key beaches such as Sagar Nagar, Thotlakonda, Rushikonda, Mangamaripeta, and Bheemili.
The Vizag–Bhogapuram coastal corridor is planned to be a picturesque route similar to California’s State Route 1, enhancing leisure-oriented travel with scenic viewpoints. Additionally, the initiative aims to establish three more Blue Flag-certified beaches.
Heritage sites like Thotlakonda and Pavurallakonda will undergo restoration and become part of a cultural tourism circuit. The project aims to attract approximately 1.5 million high-value international and domestic tourists annually by FY2032, with visitors typically staying for three to five days, spending between Rs 8,000 and 12,000 per day.
The coastline currently supports various water sports, which the project plans to promote further. The tranquil waters at Mangamaripeta are ideal for beginners engaging in activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, whereas Rushikonda Beach is better suited for more exhilarating sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
A flagship 75-acre adventure and theme park is also part of the proposal. Furthermore, Kailasagiri is expected to develop into a central hub for spiritual, wellness, and adventure tourism, anchored by a 300-acre wellness area and a 20-acre adventure sports zone.
The second pillar is dedicated to crafting a global business and innovation ecosystem. This vision includes innovation districts and corporate parks designed to attract global capability centers, fintech companies, deep-tech startups, and multinational headquarters. Advanced urban technologies like smart mobility systems, automated utilities, and low-carbon transport will be incorporated into the design.
The third pillar is focused on establishing a premium residential and lifestyle environment, featuring plans for 10 to 11 million square feet of residential development, including 5,000 to 7,000 high-end housing units such as beachfront villas, luxury condominiums, and premium apartments catered to global professionals and executives.
Despite the project area primarily consisting of brownfield land with mixed ownership and existing constraints, there is strong potential for integrated development.
VMRDA chairman M V Pranav Gopal emphasized the state’s commitment to the comprehensive development of Visakhapatnam. “We are moving forward with the state government’s vision and the VER plan proposed by NITI Aayog. In alignment with this, we will appoint a consultant to prepare a development plan for implementing the Vizag Bay project. This initiative will transform the coastal corridor, particularly the stretch between Kailasagiri and Bheemunipatnam,” Pranav stated.
