Visakhapatnam: Emerging as the Growth Hub of the Region
NITI Aayog is developing economic plans for cities with the goal of achieving a 'Vikasit Bharat' (Developed India). The initial groundwork has been completed, and it has been decided to implement these plans across 20 cities nationwide.
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NITI Aayog is formulating economic development plans for Indian cities as part of its vision for a 'Viksit Bharat'. The groundwork for this initiative has already been completed, and the plans will be implemented in 20 cities across the country. Initially, four cities were selected for pilot projects, with Visakhapatnam being one of them. The other three cities are Mumbai, Surat, and Varanasi. While the development plans for Mumbai, Surat, and Varanasi are already prepared, Visakhapatnam's plan is currently being developed.
The development strategy is based on 11 key economic indicators, which have been identified to guide the city's growth and progress. NITI Aayog has already conducted two meetings in Visakhapatnam with Collectors, Chief Officers, and representatives from relevant sectors to outline the city's development priorities and address challenges.
The districts covered under Visakhapatnam’s economic plan include Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitaramaraj, Kakinada, and East Godavari.
NITI Aayog aims to elevate the GDP of cities like Visakhapatnam to the level of major metropolitan areas such as Delhi and Mumbai, whose GDPs are higher than that of some countries.
Overview of the Four Cities:
- Mumbai: The financial planning for the Mumbai Metro Region Growth Hub is complete, and implementation is imminent.
- Varanasi-Prayagraj: Financial planning is finished, and the plan is now under consideration by the Uttar Pradesh state government before it is implemented.
- Surat: The financial plan for Surat has been drafted and is ready for implementation.
- Visakhapatnam: NITI Aayog's preliminary analysis of Visakhapatnam is complete, and further review is underway before finalising the report.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Petrochemicals and Chemical Industries
- Education
- Pharmaceuticals
- Information Technology (IT)
- Textiles
- Tourism
- Agro-based Industries
- Fisheries
- Engineering Goods
- Logistics and Port-related Activities
- Real Estate and Construction Sector
