Emphasizing the need for cities to serve all sections of society while making it accessible to all, Visakhapatnam’s collector, Mr M N Harendhira Prasad, IAS, mentioned that the city of destiny is taking significant strides towards becoming a model sustainable city, with a focus on inclusivity, mobility, resilience, and conservation. 

Addressing a Conference on Urban Planning and Future Cities with the theme of “Building Resilient, Sustainable and Future-Ready Urban Spaces” organised by CII in collaboration with VMRDA & IGBC he stated that the Government is working towards building a seamless and sustainable transport system.

It was informed that the proposed metro rail project is expected to be operational by 2028–29, and initiatives such as “Mahila Shakti,” offering free public transport for women, will play a key role in promoting public transport.

The DC informed of the upcoming Intelligent Traffic Management System which will use dynamic technology to regulate signals, cut travel time, and improve safety.

Considering the risks of cyclones, urban flooding, and sea-level rise looming, a proposal of Rs 200 crores towards flood risk mitigation is submitted to NDMA, with projects also being prepared to manage coastal erosion through VMRDA.

He also highlighted disaster preparedness measures such as underground cabling which was built post-Hudhud cyclone, and called for restoring traditional water tanks for conservation.

Mr Harendhira informed that an underground tunnel (UGT) network costing Rs 550 crore is proposed to be developed in Madhurawada to serve two lakh residents, and 41 drains presently discharging into the sea will be connected to sewage treatment plants.

Mr. K. Ramesh, Joint Commissioner, VMRDA, noted that the true measure of a city’s development lies in its geography, pointing out that Visakhapatnam faces unique constraints with only about 10% land available for development, bounded by the sea on one side and hills on the other.

He added that VMRDA is focusing on theme-based cities with mixed use development to address these challenges. Mr Ramesh also highlighted land value capture as one of the key enablers of sustainable urban growth among various government initiatives.

Delivering the welcome address, Dr. K. Kumar Raja, Chairman, CII Green Building Council, Visakhapatnam Chapter, stressed the importance of climate-responsive and ecologically balanced planning while preserving culture and heritage.

Mr G S Shiva Kumar, Past Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh, noted that by 2031, 40% of India’s population would reside in urban areas, contributing to two-thirds of the country’s GDP. He thus emphasized the need to address challenges such as affordable housing, integrated mobility, and adoption of low-polluting fuels.