VMRDA begins work on ‘Vizag Bay City’ coastal project

Visakhapatnam: After NITI Aayog pitched the development of ‘Vizag Bay City' as a 40-sq-km integrated coastal hub, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has begun work on the proposal. The urban development authority has floated a request for proposals to select a consultant to prepare an area development plan and a catalytic project strategy for the region. The NITI report envisions transforming a 25-km stretch of coastline between Kailasagiri and Bheemunipatnam into a vibrant, mixed-use waterfront city. The Bay City proposal draws inspiration from global models such as Miami's Bayshore Corridor and Dubai's Jumeirah Beach. The project falls within the larger Visakhapatnam Economic Region plan, a nine-district region from Srikakulam to Konaseema identified as a national growth hub.The development strategy is structured around three main pillars. The first pillar focuses on coastal tourism assets across key beaches, including Sagar Nagar, Thotlakonda, Rushikonda, Mangamaripeta, and Bheemili. The Vizag–Bhogapuram coastal corridor is proposed to be designed as a scenic corridor comparable to California State Route 1, offering viewpoints and a leisure-oriented travel experience. The plan also aims to develop three additional Blue Flag-certified beaches. Heritage sites such as Thotlakonda and Pavurallakonda will be restored and integrated into a cultural tourism circuit. With these initiatives, the project hopes to attract around 1.5 million international and high-value domestic visitors annually by FY2032, with visitors staying three to five days and spending Rs 8,000–12,000 per day.The coastline already offers diverse conditions for water sports, which the project intends to develop further. The calm waters at Mangamaripeta are suitable for beginner activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, while Rushikonda Beach is ideal for high-energy sports like jet skiing and parasailing. A 75-acre adventure and theme park is also proposed as a flagship attraction. Furthermore, Kailasagiri is planned to evolve into a major spiritual, wellness, and adventure tourism hub, supported by a 300-acre wellness zone and a 20-acre adventure sports area.The second pillar focuses on building a global business and innovation ecosystem. The city will include innovation districts and corporate parks aimed at attracting global capability centres, fintech companies, deep-tech firms, and multinational headquarters. Advanced urban technologies—such as smart mobility systems, automated utilities, and low-carbon transport—will be integrated into the design.The third pillar aims to create a premium residential and lifestyle environment. Plans include 10–11 million square feet of residential development with 5,000–7,000 high-end housing units, including beachfront villas, luxury condominiums, and premium apartments for global professionals and executivesAlthough the project area largely consists of brownfield land with mixed ownership, legacy infrastructure, and existing constraints, the proposed project sees strong potential for integrated development.VMRDA chairman M V Pranav Gopal said the state government is committed to the overall development of Visakhapatnam. "As part of this effort, we have decided to take forward the state government's vision and the VER plan proposed by NITI Aayog. In this direction, a consultant will be appointed to prepare a development plan for the implementation of the Vizag Bay project. The project will transform the coastal corridor, particularly the stretch between Kailasagiri and Bheemunipatnam," Pranav said.Inside Miami's mixed-use bayshore corridor:Miami's Bayshore Drive spans about 10 km along the waterfrontIt is developed as a high-end, mixed-use urban corridorThe area combines modern development in the north with heritage-rich zones in the southOver 10,000 luxury residential units are located along the corridorThe corridor is around 11 km from Miami airport, with metro rail connectivityIt includes four luxury marinas with two major jettiesThe area supports 5-7 exclusive beach clubsA dedicated sailing district is part of the developmentNorth Bayshore features high-end residential towers and urban amenitiesSouth Bayshore focuses on low-rise development with 223 heritage buildings, homes and school