Vizag coast set for ₹6,300-crore makeover into global tourism hub

In a major push to position India on the global tourism map, the Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled a ₹6,300-crore plan to transform a 45-km stretch of the Visakhapatnam coastline into a world-class tourism and urban corridor.

The project, to be developed from Bheemunipatnam (Bhimili) to Bhogapuram, is being planned in partnership with the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) under the banners “Visakha Bay City” and “Vizag 2.0.” Officials said the initiative aims to create a high-end coastal destination comparable to international hotspots such as Miami and Dubai.

Nearly 2,000 acres have been identified for acquisition in the first phase, with large-scale developments planned in tourism, hospitality, and premium housing. The blueprint includes luxury resorts, star hotels, convention centres, water sports facilities, marinas, and up to 7,000 high-end residential units, including beachfront villas.

A key driver of the project is the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport, expected to be operational by June 2026. The coastal corridor linking the airport is projected to emerge as a prime real estate and tourism zone, significantly boosting investor interest.

Officials said the plan envisages the creation of over 2,000 hotel rooms and more than 70 restaurants to support rising tourist inflows. Of the total outlay, around ₹4,300 crore is expected to be spent on land acquisition, underscoring the scale of the initiative.

The announcement, however, has triggered concerns among environmentalists, who cautioned against potential damage to the fragile coastal ecosystem and called for strict safeguards.

The state government remains confident that the project will generate employment, attract global investment, and reshape the economic landscape of North Andhra. If executed as planned, the Bhimili–Bhogapuram coastline is expected to emerge as one of India’s premier tourism destinations within the next few years.