Chandrababu Naidu sets 120 billion dollar goal for Visakha Economic Region by 2032

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced the Visakha Economic Region, covering eight districts, with a 120 billion dollars economy goal by 2032. Key focus areas include ports, tourism, IT, and infrastructure. Around 24 lakh jobs are expected.

In Short

• 8 coastal districts to form Visakha Economic Region: Chandrababu Naidu
• 120 billion dollar economy target set for 2032
• Focus on tourism, IT, ports, and infrastructure

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of the Visakha Economic Region, covering eight districts with a target to reach a 120 billion dollars economy by 2032.

The region includes Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR), and Parvathipuram Manyam. Together, these districts span 36,000 sq. km and have a population of around 15.5 million. The region’s current GDP is approximately 49 billion dollars.

The Chief Minister held a review meeting with NITI Aayog officials on Friday, where he outlined the plan to develop the region through seven key sectors: ports, IT, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, urban development, and infrastructure. A total of 41 major projects have been identified.

The proposed developments include the construction of 7.5 lakh housing units, 10,000 hotel rooms, 20 innovation centres, 10 colleges, 7,000 hospital beds, 80 million square feet of office space, and 60 million square feet of warehousing. Industrial activity is expected to be developed across 20,000 hectares.

The government also aims to generate 20–24 lakh jobs by 2032, including 4–5 lakh jobs in the IT sector. It plans to create 20 lakh work-from-home opportunities by promoting a knowledge-based economy and continuous skill training.

The Chief Minister said beach roads will be developed from Mulapeta to Kakinada, linking them to national highways to promote tourism and transport. The Vizag Metro project, covering 77 km, is expected to be completed between 2028 and 2030.

Other key sectors in focus include steel, petrochemicals, defense, clean tech, and electronics. The state is also planning nine new road projects and seven new railway lines, in addition to four already underway.

Naidu also reiterated Andhra Pradesh’s focus on renewable energy, citing the state's progress in solar, wind, and green hydrogen. He said future energy plans would allow people to produce and consume their own electricity, reducing distribution losses and power costs.