Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – As the industrial and financial capital of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam stands at a pivotal crossroads. While its potential as a global business hub continues to rise, its growth is being stifled by a deepening connectivity crisis. In response, the Vizag Development Council has formally urged the state government to take swift and strategic action to restore and enhance the city’s air, road, and cargo infrastructure.

Air Connectivity: Grounded Aspirations

Once a thriving aviation hub, Visakhapatnam has suffered a major setback with the discontinuation of high-demand domestic flights to cities such as Bhubaneshwar, Goa, Pune,  Coimbatore & Vijayawada.

International connections have also dwindled, *we have lost 4 services to colombo, Dubai, Bangkok, Malaysia, leaving only a single overseas flight to Singapore. 

 

The city now finds itself falling behind other regional centers, 6like Indore and Surat, which turned around similar declines with government-led interventions such as Viability Gap Funding (VGF), fuel tax rebates, and strategic airline negotiations.

The Vizag Development Council is advocating for:

Reinstatement of dropped domestic and international routesIncentives for airlines include reduced landing, parking, and route navigation charges and operational subsidies.

Road Infrastructure: Stuck in Gridlock

Despite ambitious plans by VUDA to complete the flyovers and  15+15 ( phase 1&2) master roads, progress has been paralyzed due to land acquisition hurdles and lack of funds.

 Residents are open to solutions, but seek transparent and fair compensation through land-for-land swaps instead of less trusted instruments like Transferable Development Rights (TDRs).

A proposed fund of ₹1,000 crores is being requested to: Complete Phases 1 and 2 of Vizag’s 30 master plan roads( total 15+15)

Bridge key urban and industrial areas
Support growth from the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport project by the coastal corridor road.

Cargo Crisis: Losing Ground in Exports

With more than 100 pharma units, a major SEZ, AMTZ, and a robust seafood export sector, Vizag should be a cargo giant. Yet, its airport houses only a small, temperature-controlled facility — a stark contrast to the demand. As a result, high-value exports like flowers, vaccines, and seafood are being rerouted via Chennai and Hyderabad, leading to losses in both freshness and profits.

 

The Vizag Development Council recommends:

Building multi-zone cold storage cargo hubs in Vizag and other key cities like Tirupathi, Rajahmundry, and Vijayawada.

Introducing international cargo routes to Dubai, Colombo, Malaysia & Bangkok, private-sector incentives to invest in cold chain logistics

Missed Mornings: Lack of Business Flight Access due to nonutilization of night parking services ..and Naval Slot Restrictions.

Unlocking Diplomatic and Trade Potential

Another overlooked opportunity lies in the underutilized Rushikonda towers — prime real estate that could serve as diplomatic and trade outreach centers. With interest from the Nepalese High Commission to open a consulate in the city, there’s a clear opportunity to turn Visakhapatnam into a global-facing gateway for Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

A Strategic Ask from Vizag Development Council

To reverse the current trajectory and fulfill its role as the engine of Andhra Pradesh’s economy, the Vizag Development Council has put forth a comprehensive plan, including:

✅ Reinstating air connectivity with both domestic and international destinations

✅ Investing ₹1,000 crores in strategic master plan roads,

Getting central funds for the coastal corridor, the 12 flyovers, and Metro Rail infrastructure.

✅ Establishing world-class cargo facilities

✅ Transforming Rushikonda IT towers into trade and consular hubs

✅ Launching a state-wide airline incentive policy during the Bhogapuram transition.

 

Conclusion: Give Vizag Its Wings

Visakhapatnam has long been the economic heart of Andhra Pradesh. With the right policy push and financial support, it can also become its wings — soaring as a global hub for trade, travel, Tourism , IT and innovation.