VMRDA to Allot Land for Pending Tourism Projects

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has initiated steps to identify land for tourism projects that are yet to take off in the district, following directions from the State government.

At the CII Investors’ Summit held in Visakhapatnam last November, 42 companies signed agreements to set up tourism projects. The government assured investors that it would facilitate suitable land. Officials later reported that 34 projects are yet to be grounded. Three firms have their own land. The remaining 31 projects require allotments.

At the recent Collectors’ Conference, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the progress. He urged officials to speed up land allocation. He said departments such as Revenue, Endowments, Water Resources, Roads, and Buildings could provide land if necessary. He also asked VMRDA to extend cooperation.

District Collector Harendhira Prasad subsequently met Tourism Department officials. He directed them to consult companies that signed MoUs and assess their land needs. After discussions, 16 companies expressed interest in VMRDA land.

VMRDA officials said they would showcase available parcels to investors. Companies can select sites based on project requirements. The authority will then submit proposals to the government. Officials said pricing details would follow.

VMRDA has organised a special bus tour on Monday at 10 a.m. to help investors visit potential sites. Investors may also visit the locations using their own vehicles.

VMRDA sources said most of its land bank lies in suburban areas rather than within the city. Officials said site visits would help investors and tourism authorities assess feasibility.

VMRDA officials clarified that allotments for tourism projects would follow government directions. The authority typically allocates land through auctions. Officials added that these allotments would also generate revenue for VMRDA.