Economic Regions – Andhra Pradesh Sets Timelines for Growth and Tourism Plans
Economic Regions –Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials to complete district-level economic profiles within two months as Andhra Pradesh works to identify growth opportunities suited to each area. The exercise is expected to map local resources, industries, workforce strengths and investment potential across districts.
Master plans set for Amaravati and Tirupati regions
During a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday, Naidu assessed progress in the Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Tirupati Economic Regions. He directed departments to prepare master plans for the Amaravati and Tirupati regions within six months, following the release of the Visakhapatnam Economic Region plan.
The Chief Minister said draft plans should be made public before they are finalised. Citizens and elected representatives will be invited to submit suggestions, allowing local priorities to be reflected in the development framework.
Sports infrastructure proposed through private participation
Naidu also asked officials to prepare proposals for hosting international sports events in Amaravati, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam. He said Sports Cities should be developed in the three regions through public-private partnerships, with infrastructure designed to support competitions, training facilities and related services.
The government is also considering a broader tourism development plan for Suryalanka Beach and other coastal locations. Officials were asked to prepare a detailed blueprint to improve visitor facilities and create economic activity around key beach destinations.
Visakhapatnam Bay City project moves forward
For the proposed Visakhapatnam Bay City, Naidu said the project should focus on coastal tourism, a global business and innovation environment, and high-quality urban living. The aim is to build a destination that can attract skilled professionals, investors and companies from India and abroad.
Officials informed the meeting that 3,291 acres of government land had been identified for the 51.88-square-kilometre Bay City project. They also said 49 projects are being pursued in the Visakhapatnam Economic Region. Of these, 18 are under implementation, 12 are ready to begin, and 19 remain at different planning stages.
Naidu set a three-month target to attract proposals for an international convention centre, hotels and information technology projects in the region. He also suggested developing the Araku-Paderu-Visakhapatnam route as an integrated tourism circuit.
Amaravati region to focus on agriculture and tourism
Officials said the Amaravati Economic Region includes nine districts, accounts for nearly 32 per cent of Andhra Pradesh’s population and covers about one-third of the state’s geographical area. Its central location and availability of skilled workers were identified as important advantages for future growth.
Naidu instructed departments to prepare sector-based development plans for aquaculture, palm oil, cocoa cultivation and tourism around Kolleru Lake. The proposed initiatives are intended to strengthen rural livelihoods while expanding investment opportunities in agriculture-linked industries.
Tirupati region highlighted as investment destination
The Chief Minister said the Tirupati Economic Region has significant potential because of its mineral resources, horticulture base, religious tourism, educational institutions and industrial infrastructure. He identified aerospace, defence manufacturing, drone technology, renewable energy, automobiles, food processing and electronics as sectors that could support future investment.
Tourism plans for the region should include destinations such as Gandikota, Horsley Hills and Talakona, with an emphasis on improving connectivity, accommodation and visitor services.
Naidu said horticulture would remain a major growth driver for the Tirupati Economic Region. He asked officials to promote cultivation of more than 25 horticultural crops and give the sector priority in the regional master plan. He referred to Lingala mandal in Kadapa district as an example of how horticulture can improve rural incomes and help position Rayalaseema as a global horticulture hub.
The Chief Minister said progress in all three economic regions would be reviewed every two months. He also noted that investments worth Rs 40,000 crore are being considered under the Purvodaya programme.