Visakhapatnam: The draft of the revised master plan prepared by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority for the VMRDA jurisdiction has included the alignment of the proposed coastal corridor connecting Visakhapatnam to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport. The plan proposes a 40-metre-wide road up to Kailasagiri, followed by a uniform 60-metre-wide road from Kailasagiri to Bhogapuram. A nearly one-kilometre elevated corridor is planned near Rushikonda, adjacent to a prominent star hotel. Without this elevated corridor, the hotel would lose a substantial portion of its land and structures.
The decision to construct an elevated corridor was made with the city's hospitality interests in mind, recognising that Visakhapatnam is growing and that its star hotels are key drivers of tourism and high scale event. Although the coastal corridor project is likely to be undertaken by the National Highway Authority of India, its inclusion in the master plan is intended to facilitate smooth execution and prevent future planning conflicts. Apart from a few kilometres running inland, the proposed 45-kilometre road on the beachfront is expected to transform the northern side of Vizag, particularly in and around Bheemili and Bhogapuram, given its potential to unlock extensive land banks in the area and promote structured urban growth.
With the upcoming Aviation Edu-City and approvals for several star hotels, the operationalisation of Bhogapuram Airport is expected to stimulate development across tourism, recreation, hospitality, employment, and the IT sector in the surrounding region.
In sync with NITI Aayog's vision
Meanwhile, the VMRDA has incorporated developmental measures suggested by NITI Aayog for the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER), as outlined in its recent report. These include Bay City (from Kailasagiri to Bheemili), Vizag 2.0 extending up to Bhogapuram, and IT hubs around Madhurawada, Anandapuram, and Kapuluppada. The VER proposal also recommends the development of an education and skilling hub near IIM Visakhapatnam and a high-end health city near Bhogapuram. The VMRDA plan has integrated all these latest proposals, reflecting a vision for comprehensive regional development.
Speaking to TOI, VMRDA chairman Pranav Gopal and metropolitan commissioner Tej Bharath said that the draft plan has been prepared in a fully transparent manner, with the best interests of the public in mind. "The revised plan incorporates several developmental aspects that were not part of the earlier plan, including the VER proposal, Bhogapuram Airport, and the coastal corridor. The master plan has been designed to support the comprehensive development of the region, including industrial zones, tourism infrastructure, public transport, health projects, housing, education hubs, and hospitality initiatives," said Pranav Gopal and Tej Bharath.
The VMRDA had previously prepared a master plan covering nearly 4,381 sq km across the Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, and Visakhapatnam districts under the previous government. However, allegations arose that the plan disproportionately benefited certain individuals, prompting the present govt to order a revision. As the first step in the revision process, the VMRDA issued a notification in June 2025 inviting suggestions and objections. Following responses to this notification, the VMRDA has now issued a second notification, which will close on March 10.
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What is VER proposes
Covering 9 districts, stretching from Srikakulam to Konaseema, the VER has been selected under NITI Aayog national growth hub initiative
The public policy think tank recently released a detailed report for the region
It specifically focused on Vizag. Proposed the development of a Bay City between Kailasagiri and Bheemili, along with Vizag 2.0
Vizag 2.0, between Vizag and Bhogapram, is envisioned as a modern, mixed-use, services-led metropolis
Vizag 2.0 is expected to cover an area of about 200–250 sq km
Vizag Bay City has been proposed as a 40 sq km integrated coastal hub
The project envisages transforming a 25 km stretch of coastline between Kailasagiri and Bheemili into a vibrant, mixed-use waterfront city
Vizag 2.0 will integrate most of the job-creating service hubs like IT and data centre hubs at Madhurawada, Kapuluppada and Anandapuram; the Bhogapuram Aerocity; the education, skilling and innovation hub proposed near IIM Visakhapatnam; and a major entertainment complex
While Vizag Bay City is targeted for development over the next five to seven years (by FY32), Vizag 2.0 is planned as a multi-decade metropolitan project extending up to FY47
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