The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has unveiled a significant housing and infrastructure blueprint for the port city. Metropolitan Commissioner N Tej Bharath announced on Friday that the authority plans to develop approximately 25,000 plots specifically for the middle-income group within its layouts by the year 2026.
Ten Major Goals for the Year
Tej Bharath outlined that the VMRDA will focus on ten critical objectives this year to transform the urban landscape. These are ambitious yet achievable targets that hinge on teamwork and timely execution. The primary goals include finalizing a comprehensive master plan that addresses the needs of all citizens and ensuring the high-quality completion of major planned roads within strict deadlines.
Other key priorities involve advancing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) to improve connectivity, resolving long-standing land-related disputes, and laying the groundwork for several key projects within the next six to seven months. The authority also aims to modernize museums under its supervision and construct a crucial semi-ring road connecting Bhogapuram to Rambilli.
Citizen Engagement and Digital Reforms
Alongside physical infrastructure, VMRDA will strongly emphasize institutional reforms and enhancing citizen services. A flagship initiative, the 'Work with VMRDA' programme, will be launched to facilitate direct public interaction. Every Monday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, citizens can engage with officials via toll-free number 1800-425-1401 or landline 0891-2541401.
To boost transparency and efficiency, the authority will implement several digital initiatives. These include:
- VIBE (Vizag Integrated Buyers-Sellers Exchange): A platform for integrated property exchange.
- End-to-end digitisation of processes and citizen services via WhatsApp.
- An integrated ticketing system and AI-powered help desk with chatbot functionality.
- Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) in plot sale mechanisms.
- Enhanced media and social media outreach for better communication.
A Focus on Holistic Development
Commissioner Tej Bharath stressed that achieving these goals requires a collective effort. "Teamwork, ownership, and timely decision-making at every level will make them possible," he stated. The overarching vision is to couple physical development with robust citizen-focused reforms, thereby strengthening public trust in the authority's functioning. The plan to develop 25,000 plots is a central part of this vision, aiming to address housing needs and spur organized growth in the Visakhapatnam metropolitan region.
