VMRDA submits revised Master Plan-2041 to Andhra Pradesh govt

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has submitted its revised Master Plan-2041 to the Andhra Pradesh government, aiming to address earlier gaps and ensure balanced development across Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Vizianagaram districts.

VMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharat submitted the plan to Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, S. Suresh Kumar at the Secretariat in Amaravati on Friday.

Officials said the revision followed a detailed review mandated by the State government. Of the 1,241 public objections and suggestions received, 339 key inputs were incorporated into the updated draft.

The authority also held consultations with elected representatives, departments and urban planning experts to refine the proposal.

The plan projects a population of 6.63 million by 2041 and focuses on structured land use and improved regional connectivity.

Proposals include a 3,913-km road network, metro rail corridors, suburban rail systems and link roads connecting Bhogapuram International Airport.

Key focus areas include the Coastal Development Corridor, Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor and port-led development zones. VMRDA also coordinated with the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, APIIC and NHAI to align industrial expansion with regional planning.

The draft covers an urbanisable area of 1,906 sq km within the 4,380 sq km metropolitan region. Land use allocation includes 17 per cent for residential use, 8.5 per cent for mixed-use, 8.1 per cent for forests and 7.9 per cent for water bodies. Transport infrastructure accounts for 5.7 per cent.

Officials said the plan will be implemented after government approval and notification.