ASR Nagar Slum to Get Modern Housing, Says Minister

Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Dr. P. Narayana, on Saturday (March 14, 2026), announced plans to modernise the slum area at ASR Nagar in Seethammadhara. He visited the locality with Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, VMRDA Chairman Pranav Gopal, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg, and senior officials.

The Minister spoke directly with residents, asking about their daily challenges, facilities, occupations, and how long they had lived there. Residents said that around 200 families have lived on 3.2 acres for nearly 30 years, mostly working as daily wage laborers. Many do not hold house ownership documents and appeal for proper housing.

“I have lived here all my life. Raising children without proper space is very hard,” said Ramesh, a daily wage worker. Radha, another resident, added, “We hope the government helps us with proper homes so our children can grow safely and study without worries.”

Dr. Narayana assured the residents that discussions with landowners would take place and that fairness would be maintained. He instructed the GVMC Commissioner to prepare proposals for constructing houses under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Officials were also directed to check land ownership claims carefully to avoid inconveniencing either residents or private owners.

The Minister later inspected the Master Plan roads linking the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport, including Nerella Valasa to Kothavalasa, Boyapalem to Kapuluppada, and Bheemili to Dorathota Junction. He said that 54 per cent of the road construction is complete. The works aim to improve connectivity between Visakhapatnam and the new airport. VMRDA, the R&B Department, and GVMC are executing the projects jointly.

Dr. Narayana emphasised that providing proper housing and modern infrastructure are government priorities. He added that residents’ dignity and the city’s planned development are both being considered in these projects.