The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has charted an ambitious roadmap for 2026, launching a series of transformative measures designed to streamline governance and significantly upgrade urban infrastructure. The initiatives, which range from administrative restructuring to major road projects and nightlife enhancements, aim to improve the quality of life for residents and keep pace with the city's rapid growth.
Administrative Restructuring & Infrastructure Push
A cornerstone of the 2026 plan is the reorganization of the civic body's administrative map. From January 1, the existing eight-zone system has been replaced with a new 10-zone structure. This transition, following a detailed mapping exercise, is built on a 'one zone-one constituency' model. The GVMC has already deployed staff and set up offices to ensure a smooth shift. Officials state that this restructuring is aimed at streamlining governance, simplifying processes, and enabling faster grievance redressal and service delivery, especially in fast-growing suburban areas like Pendurthi and Bheemili.
In a parallel infrastructure boost, the state government has approved a major road development project. Approximately 88.35 km of roads will be developed under a hybrid annuity model at an estimated cost of Rs 307 crore. The project includes a one-year construction phase followed by a decade-long operation and maintenance period. It promises not just road expansion but also durable construction, streetscape upgrades with footpaths, street lighting, greenery, and improved drainage systems for long-term asset management.
Enhancing Nightlife & Urban Services
Recognizing changing citizen habits, the GVMC is turning its focus to the city's nightlife. With people increasingly staying out until 11 PM or midnight, the corporation plans to scale up night-time sanitation operations. Additional sanitation workers will be deployed in commercial hubs, along major roads, and at key junctions to reduce the load on daytime services and maintain cleanliness.
As part of this night-time initiative, the corporation will also replace outdated, low-intensity incandescent streetlights with energy-efficient alternatives over the next few months. Many of the old lights have dimmed over the years, creating poorly lit and potentially unsafe stretches across the city.
Smart City Initiatives & Revenue Goals
Technology is at the forefront of GVMC's modernization drive. Mayor P Srinivasa Rao and Commissioner Ketan Garg announced that an AI-based integrated traffic management system has been introduced on a pilot basis. This system, slated for extension to over 100 junctions in the coming months, will feature signal synchronization, facial recognition, automatic number plate recognition, and red-light violation detection.
Further civic improvements include the continuation of 'Operation Lungs' to clear encroachments from public spaces, roads, and footpaths. The GVMC also plans to develop smart street vending zones in various city parts. On the financial front, the corporation has set an ambitious target of achieving a 20% increase in tax collection, focusing on improved revenue efficiency and compliance.
To bolster connectivity to the upcoming international airport, four major road projects spanning 15.7 km will be undertaken. These include crucial stretches from Bheemili to Banglemetta and Vepagunta to Juttada, with the GVMC committing Rs 71 crore for these vital links.
