Vizag gears up for makeover ahead of CII Partnership Summit

Visakhapatnam is set for a major makeover ahead of the State Government’s prestigious CII Partnership Summit, with the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) undertaking a series of development and beautification works across key stretches.

The State government recently sanctioned ₹400 crore under a special package for comprehensive development of Visakhapatnam. The GVMC has begun ground-level work and plans to use a portion of the funds to improve major roads, central medians and dividers, strengthen greenery, modernise key junctions, instal modern lighting systems, and undertake other infrastructure and beautification works. Nagarjuna Construction Company (NCC) is executing the works, and they are planned to be completed by the end of October, ahead of the Partnership Summit.

The summit, which is expected to draw industrialists, investors and delegates from various parts of the country and abroad, will be held at the Andhra University Engineering College Grounds at Maddilapalem on November 12 and 13. The State government is also planning to host a gala dinner for the invitees on November 11.

As delegates are expected to arrive in the city ahead of the summit and visit several tourist attractions and other important locations, civic authorities have stepped up efforts to improve the overall appearance and infrastructure. Since the invitees will be accommodated at hotels in several parts of the city, the authorities are focusing on key roads and stretches connecting the airport, hotels, summit venue and tourist destinations.

Unlike temporary arrangements made for major events, the GVMC has decided that the development works being taken up under the special package will be permanent in nature and will contribute to the long-term improvement.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg recently inspected ongoing works at Siripuram and along the stretch from Dutt Island to Polamamba Temple. During the inspection, he directed officials to ensure that all works were executed strictly in accordance with the prescribed quality standards.

He instructed the Chief Engineer to closely monitor the works to ensure their timely completion. The Commissioner also stressed the need for improving the design and appearance of bus bays, directing officials to prepare modern and attractive designs.

He further instructed the officials to develop special designs for electric poles proposed to be installed along central medians and to introduce modern central lighting systems on important roads.