Coastal corridor to Bhogapuram in revised VMRDA master plan
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has proposed a coastal corridor linking the city with the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport in its draft revised master plan.
The proposal includes a 40-metre-wide road up to Kailasagiri. Beyond Kailasagiri, the corridor will expand to a uniform 60-metre width up to Bhogapuram. Near Rushikonda, planners have introduced a nearly one-kilometre elevated stretch beside a prominent star hotel. Officials said this design protects the hotel’s land and structures.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is expected to execute the project. VMRDA included the corridor in the master plan to prevent future planning conflicts and ensure smoother implementation.
Authorities expect the proposed 45-kilometre beachfront road to reshape development along the northern coastline. The alignment includes limited inland deviations. Planners believe the corridor will unlock large land parcels. Areas such as Bheemili and Bhogapuram could witness faster urban growth.
With the Bhogapuram airport moving towards operationalisation, officials anticipate a boost across tourism, recreation, hospitality, employment, and the information technology sector. The proposed Aviation Edu-City and approvals for several star hotels are also likely to attract fresh investments.
Meanwhile, VMRDA has incorporated development strategies recommended by NITI Aayog for the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER). These proposals include the Bay City project from Kailasagiri to Bheemili and Vizag 2.0 extending up to Bhogapuram. The blueprint also identifies IT hubs around Madhurawada, Anandapuram, and Kapuluppada.
The VER framework further proposes an education and skilling hub near IIM Visakhapatnam. It also recommends a high-end health city near Bhogapuram. Officials confirmed that the revised master plan integrates these proposals to support balanced regional development.
VMRDA chairman Pranav Gopal and Metropolitan Commissioner Tej Bharath said they prepared the draft transparently, keeping public interest in focus. They added that the revision expands the earlier plan after a government-ordered review following allegations of bias.