Visakhapatnam, Dec 12 (LatestNewsX) – Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu flew a helicopter over the northern part of the state this Friday to see firsthand the progress on major projects and to assess the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER). While airborne, he inspected construction sites linked to ports, airports and IT parks, and later spoke with officials about key developments such as Bhogapuram Airport, the Raipur‑Visakhapatnam National Highway, and various coastal road‑and‑connectivity schemes.
After the tour, the CM convened a review meeting on VER with ministers, public representatives and senior officials. The session covered nine districts slated for VER projects, existing industries, target figures, and a strategy to draw investments. The VER Master Plan was a focal point, and delegates discussed 49 projects encompassing roads, railways, ports, logistics and other sectors. The goal set during the meeting was to elevate VER to a 125‑135 billion‑dollar economy by 2032. Separate action plans were drafted for departments such as commerce, industry, municipal administration, tourism, infrastructure, roads, IT, agriculture, forestry, healthcare, education, skill training and electricity.
Railway projects underway and those earmarked for the future were also on the agenda, along with national highway proposals. Attendance included ministers Nara Lokesh, Atchennaidu, Narayana, TG Bharat, Kandula Durgesh, Kondapalli Srinivas, Dola Sribala Veeranjaneya Swamy and Kollu Ravindra. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand and collectors from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, ASR, Parvathipuram Manyam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari and Ambedkar Konaseema district were also present, along with senior officials from various departments.
VER spans 38,000 sq km across nine districts, home to 1.65 million residents, and currently generates a GDP of about 52 billion dollars. The region boasts a per‑capita income of roughly 3,170 dollars and a workforce of seven million. It represents 31 % of the state’s area, 23 % of its population, and contributes 30 % of Andhra Pradesh’s GDP.
The region’s development strategy rests on seven growth drivers: a global port, next‑generation IT, agriculture, tourism, a healthcare hub, planned urbanisation with housing, and world‑class infrastructure. Six ports—Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kakinada Deep Water, and Kakinada Anchorage—are already operational, while new terminals at Kakinada Gateway and Moolapeta are planned. Seven new railway projects, nine road initiatives and a 77‑km Mera Vizag Metro are also under consideration.
Additional plans include 12 manufacturing hubs, 18 agricultural zones, world‑class nurseries, food parks, an aquapark, and five fishing harbours. Housing targets envisage 750,000 new homes, alongside 10,000 hotel rooms, up to 20 new medical, IT and skilling colleges, 5,000 hospital beds, 50,000 acres earmarked for industry, a 50‑million‑sq‑ft office complex, and 60‑million‑sq‑ft warehousing capacity.
— ms/uk
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