Skilled Labour Crunch Threatens Visakhapatnam’s Construction Revival
Visakhapatnam’s construction sector is showing signs of revival across both public and private projects. However, builders warn that growth is being constrained by a shortage of skilled labor. While smart city initiatives and housing developments progress simultaneously, contractors report that the lack of trained workers is delaying project execution and increasing costs.
Construction firms across the area struggle to hire experienced masons, electricians, and finishing specialists. This labour gap is extending project timelines and inflating wage expenses, affecting small and mid-sized companies the most. National-level reviews also identify the scarcity of skilled workers as a major challenge for the construction industry.
“A project moves only as fast as its workforce,” said a senior project manager from a local firm. He emphasized that although machinery and materials arrive on schedule, work frequently halts due to a shortage of skilled personnel.
Ashok Kumar, President of CREDAI Visakhapatnam, highlighted that the mismatch between demand and supply of skilled labour is becoming more pronounced as the number of projects increases. “Most builders are ready to take on more work, but skilled labour availability is not keeping pace,” he stated. “A stronger and more reliable workforce is essential for Visakhapatnam to achieve its infrastructure targets.”
Kumar also noted that CREDAI is establishing a skill development center aimed at enhancing worker competence. “The center will be operational soon and is expected to improve craftsmanship and boost confidence among laborers performing specialized tasks.”
Builders also pointed out that large public projects in nearby districts are drawing away workers by offering higher wages, making it difficult for city contractors to retain skilled labour. Though training institutes in Visakhapatnam have launched new courses, officials say short-term programs are insufficient to address the shortage. They advocate for apprenticeships and structured on-site training to build practical skills.
The labor scarcity is already impacting municipal projects such as roads and public hostels, causing delays that affect residents’ expected benefits. Real estate developers warn that prolonged housing completion times may erode buyer confidence.
Industry groups are calling for a coordinated effort to tackle the shortage. Proposed measures include expanding apprenticeships, creating stronger links between contractors and training centers for hands-on modules, and offering incentives to certified workers to remain in the region.
Builders say the next 12 to 18 months are crucial. If training programs and on-site mentoring scale up effectively, Visakhapatnam could maintain its growth momentum. Otherwise, project delays and escalating costs could slow the city’s development drive.