Analysis

Visakhapatnam on the Cusp of Prosperity: When Will It Get Its Due?

visakhapatnam capital of andhra

On January 31, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy declared that Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, would serve as the state’s capital. This decision marked a departure from the previous plan outlined in 2015 by former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who had designated Amaravati as the new capital.

In 2020, there was a proposal to establish three capital cities, including Amaravati, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool. However, a significant turning point occurred in March of the previous year when the Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled in favor of the government’s plan to develop Amaravati, despite the city being embroiled in a land scam controversy.

Earlier this year, The state Government did a Global Investors Summit in the city and huge investments were announced. During this summit, the city of Vizag was vibrant enough to light up the entire state. The state Government has been working towards moving the Chief Minister’s Office to the city of destiny, as promised by the CM in the Summit, but legal hurdles are still there.

Professor Chalam’s Call for Clear Vision and Investment in Vizag’s Future

“What is being given back to Visakha? Rajdhani has not been done so far. Each party should clearly state what they will do for Visakha.” – professor Chalam demanded.

Professor G. Venkata Chalam, a distinguished academic at SRM University, talks about intriguing insights into the future prospects of Visakhapatnam (Vizag), emphasising the pivotal role of sea connections in the city’s development. In a recent interview, he opined that Vizag is poised to outgrow Hyderabad due to its strategic coastal location, which opens up opportunities for maritime trade and commerce. Professor Chalam underscored a historical pattern where states with access to the sea have exhibited more robust growth compared to landlocked regions.

Addressing the evolution of the Information Technology (IT) sector in Vizag, Professor Chalam highlighted its early inception, with the first computer installation at Andhra University, now situated in Andhra Pradesh. He argued that Vizag’s IT landscape has deep-rooted origins, with Andhra University and the state itself serving as pillars of IT development.

Criticising the previous government decisions, Professor Chalam suggested that focusing the entirety of the investment in Vizag rather than splitting it with Amaravati would have accelerated the city’s progress, potentially surpassing Hyderabad’s current status. However, despite its promising potential, he noted that Vizag lacks aggressive marketing efforts to attract investors and businesses. He pinpointed this as a crucial area of improvement and urged the city to bolster its promotional activities to unlock its full developmental potential.

Professor Chalam’s remarks shed light on Vizag’s promising future, its historical significance in the IT sector, and the importance of “Aggressive Marketing” to harness its untapped potential for growth and development.

Synergizing Vision: Professor Chalam and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Shared Commitment to Vizag’s Prosperity

Professor Chalam’s vision emphasises the pivotal role of sea connections in Vizag’s development. He suggests that Vizag’s coastal location offers opportunities for maritime trade and commerce, and this aligns with Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government’s commitment to economic diversification and development.

Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s decision to inaugurate the Infosys Development Centre in Vizag reflects his proactive approach to boosting the IT sector, creating jobs, and fostering a conducive business environment. This resonates with Professor Chalam’s recognition of Vizag’s deep-rooted IT origins and its potential for further growth in the technology sector.

Additionally, Professor Chalam highlights the importance of aggressive marketing efforts to attract investors and businesses to Vizag, which aligns with Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government’s commitment to promoting economic growth and development. By relocating to Vizag, the Chief Minister signals his dedication to the city’s progress and serves as an example of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.

In summary, Professor Chalam’s insights into Vizag’s potential and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government’s initiatives in the region are aligned with their shared vision for economic growth, development, and the realisation of Vizag’s potential as a thriving and influential city in Andhra Pradesh.

What’s your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
2
+1
0
+1
3
+1
0
Shares: