AP approves ₹2,021-cr infrastructure projects

The Andhra Pradesh state cabinet has approved new development projects, including the ₹1,000 crore Vizag Beach Corridor, to make Visakhapatnam the prime tourist destination. According to Special Chief Secretary (Tourism and Culture), Rajat Bhargava, the Vizag Beach Corridor projects, connecting the heritage town Bheemili with the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport at a total cost of ₹1,021 crore, aims to create vibrantly and thriving new avenues of development. He informed that the project will be a 'hospitality district' with world-class accommodation facilities (beach resorts and hotels) for visitors, amusement parks, eco-tourism, swimming pools, water sports avenues, food courts, shopping malls, fisheries along the corridor. The 19.66-km Bheemili-Bhogapuram stretch will be a six-lane access-controlled greenfield road for friction-free movement (expressway). The government has declared Visakhapatnam as the Executive Capital of the state and tourism development in this area assumes greater importance. The Vizag Beach Corridor project would have Smart Road elements like bicycle tracks (2.2m each side), pedestrian walkways (1.8m each side), high standard street furniture with landscaping, smart poles (LED streetlights, CCTV, public WiFi and sensors), utility crossings (water, drainage, power, fibre), bus bays, auto bays, public bicycle stations and parking lay bys for recreation. The project would include hanging\suspension bridges over the river Gosthani at two locations. The riverfront area near the bridges on the river Gosthani would be developed as urban recreation zones.