In a landmark decision to streamline urban expansion and infrastructure development, the State government has officially sanctioned the Revised Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region (VMR) Master Plan–2041, according to VMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner N. Tej Bharat on Monday.

The approval, formalised through G.O.Ms. No.144 on July 8, 2026, establishes a robust, long-term statutory framework designed to guide the region’s trajectory through integrated infrastructure and balanced development, he added during an interaction with the media.

The finalisation of this ambitious blueprint comes after an extensive, two-stage public engagement process. Between February and March 2026, the VMRDA sought feedback from the public, and received 1,241 objections and suggestions. These were subsequently consolidated into 339 unique cases for detailed examination. A high-level technical expert committee, appointed by the government, conducted a meticulous technical and planning assessment of these representations. Ultimately, 150 of these proposals were incorporated into the final plan, reflecting a balance between citizen inputs and long-term urban planning principles.

Connectivity serves as the backbone of the Revised Master Plan-2041, which now proposes a total road network spanning 4,098.6 km across the metropolitan region. The plan introduces major strategic assets, including the Raipur Expressway, the Bowdara Bypass, and the Coastal Corridor. Furthermore, to ensure seamless access to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport, the authorities have identified 15 priority connectivity corridors, with seven already under active execution. The plan also integrates multi-modal transport solutions, including the proposed Metro network, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), and a suburban railway corridor to bolster regional mobility.

The Master Plan recognises and facilitates the development of key economic growth engines expected to define the region’s prosperity by 2041. These include the IT and Data Centre hubs in Madhurawada, Anandapuram, and Kapuluppada, alongside the ambitious Bhogapuram Aerocity and GMR Manasa Aviation Educity. Additionally, the plan formalises the Vizag Bay City brownfield development corridor, extending from Kailasgiri to Bheemili, which is designed as a flexible, mixed-use zone to accommodate a diverse range of commercial and urban activities.

Environmental sustainability is a core tenet of the revised framework. The plan earmarks 8% of the total land area for forest protection, 6% for hill conservation, and 8% for 'Blue' zones to safeguard water bodies. In a proactive step toward urban resilience, the plan has designated 10 locations covering over 9 hectares specifically for Miyawaki pocket forests. Simultaneously, the plan protects the region’s agricultural heritage by designating 40.7% of the total land as an Agricultural Use Zone, ensuring a steady balance between urban growth and food security.

The proposed land use distribution is designed to promote a compact and efficient urban form. Key allocations include 17% for residential expansion to cater to the growing population, 9% for mixed-use development, and 6% for transportation infrastructure. With 1.3% dedicated to public and semi-public social amenities and further zones for industrial and recreational use, the sanctioned Master Plan-2041 provides a comprehensive, data-driven roadmap to enhance the quality of life, economic competitiveness, and environmental health of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region for the next 15 years.