CM Charts Vision for Visakhapatnam Bay City
He said that strengthening infrastructure in these areas would create opportunities for large-scale tourism investments.
Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has instructed officials to work towards transforming Visakhapatnam into a Bay City, setting the tone for a major development push for the region.
At a review meeting he held on Friday on the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER), he met collectors from nine districts, public representatives and senior officials from multiple departments to outline the vision.
The CM wanted the Bay City project to be developed along the stretch from Kailasagiri to Bhogapuram. He also suggested establishing a project monitoring unit to oversee the progress.
The CM also ordered the construction of a convention centre on 303 acres of Greyhounds' land and stressed the need to develop Kailasagiri as both a spiritual and tourist destination.
To attract investments, he proposed projects such as beach water sports and recreational activities that would appeal to diverse groups. He recommended modernising the Visakhapatnam zoo to elevate its status and turn it into a major tourist attraction.
He also highlighted the importance of developing Erra Matti Dibbalu (red sand hills) and Buddhist sites in the city.
Projects such as the Akhanda Godavari in Rajamahendravaram, the Polavaram project, and destinations like Papikondalu could further enhance the region's tourism potential, he said.
He said improved infrastructure in these areas could pave the way for large-scale tourism projects. Officials must focus their attention on developing townships adjacent to industrial zones connected to these initiatives.
The chief minister said the VER project report submitted by NITI Aayog be made publicly available for discussion. He encouraged feedback from students and intellectuals to refine the plan.
The meeting was attended by Union minister Rammohan Naidu, state ministers Atchannaidu and Veeranjaneya Swamy, MLAs from Visakhapatnam district, collectors from nine districts spanning Srikakulam to East Godavari, VER convener and others.
