VMRDA revisits draft Master Plan 2041

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has revisited the draft Master Plan–2041 after receiving a large number of suggestions and objections from the public. Issuing a second notification, the authority has invited fresh suggestions and objections from February 9 to March 10, 2026.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday (February 13), VMRDA Chairperson M Pranav Gopal and Commissioner N. Tej Bharat said the authority received a total of 3,722 objections and suggestions from various zones across the metropolitan region. Of these, 831 were from Bheemunipatnam, 686 from core Visakhapatnam, 460 from Madhurawada, 374 from Anakapalli, and 699 from Vizianagaram (rural and urban combined), among others. A technical committee conducted a detailed analysis, including ground verification wherever necessary, and accepted 427 objections for incorporation into the revised draft.

The revised Master Plan now integrates several key infrastructure and development proposals, including the updated coastal corridor alignment from the Visakhapatnam Port Container Terminal to Bhogapuram Airport, incorporation of 300 approved layouts, the Raipur Expressway alignment, the Bhogapuram International Airport plan, the Kambalakonda Eco-Sensitive Zone, the proposed railway line from Anakapalli to Kothavalasa, and major irrigation channels such as Srujala Sravanthi Canal, Polavaram Canal, and Taraka Rama Canal. To enhance green cover in the metropolitan region, 20 locations have been earmarked for the development of Miyawaki-style pocket forests.

After receiving suggestions and objections from the revisited draft Master Plan 2041, the committee will take steps to check it, prepare a detailed one and forward it to the government, the Commissioner said.

The revised Master Plan–2041 is expected to provide a more structured roadmap for sustainable urban growth, improved connectivity, environmental conservation, and tourism development across the region, he added.

Speaking about the road infrastructure development to connect Bhogapuram Airport, Mr. Tej Bharat stated that seven priority road corridors have been identified by the State government to improve the connectivity, and works are progressing at a brisk pace. All roads are targeted for completion by June 2026. Giving the details, the 6.3-km Timmapuram–Marikavalasa road has already been completed and opened to traffic. Adavivaram–Sontyam road has achieved 33% progress and is expected to be completed by the end of May. Tallavalasa–Kothavalasa road works have reached 36% completion and are also slated for completion by May. The Boyapalem–Kapuluppada road, currently at 58% progress, is expected to be ready by April, while the Vepagunta–Pinagadi stretch is likely to be completed by May.

In view of the upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN 2026 events, VMRDA has also undertaken the upgradation of major tourist destinations and public spaces under its jurisdiction with a budget allocation of ₹2.25 crore. The works include improvements at VMRDA Park, Kailasagiri, Tenneti Park, INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, TU-142 Aircraft Museum, and the construction of an amenities building at Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex, among others.