Andhra’s Smart Cities Initiative Nears 85% Completion

Andhra Pradesh’s smart cities initiative has reached 85% completion, with projects worth ₹5,657 crore out of the planned ₹6,620 crore now realised. The four cities selected for this ambitious project – Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Amaravati – have each made substantial progress in executing their respective plans. Kakinada and Tirupati have emerged as frontrunners, having completed projects valued at approximately ₹2,000 crore each.

Visakhapatnam has achieved approximately ₹1,575 crore in project completions from its proposed ₹1,700 crore, while Amaravati has realised ₹746 crore of the planned ₹930 crore. Despite Amaravati’s slower pace, the city has made notable strides since its selection in June 2017. Visakhapatnam’s projects include cutting-edge initiatives like floating solar power plants, smart classrooms, and advanced car parking systems. The city has also focused on heritage conservation and enhancing public infrastructure.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has been pivotal in this progress, forming the Greater Visakhapatnam Smart City Corporation Limited (GVSCCL) to oversee the project’s execution. The city is set to meet its deadline of March 2025, with nearly all planned projects nearing completion. In contrast, Amaravati’s efforts have been somewhat hampered, though progress continues. Overall, the smart cities mission is transforming urban infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, setting a benchmark for future urban development projects across India.