Urban Transport – Visakhapatnam and Moscow Sign Partnership to Advance Smart City Development
Urban Transport –The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has entered into a new international partnership with the Government of Moscow by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at strengthening collaboration in urban transport, digital innovation and industrial development. The agreement is expected to support Visakhapatnam’s long-term infrastructure goals by introducing advanced transport technologies, smart mobility solutions and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Agreement Signed During International Transport Summit
The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed during the 5th International Transport Summit held in Moscow, Russia. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg signed the agreement alongside Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow and Head of the Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development. Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament M. Sribharat attended the signing ceremony, highlighting the significance of the partnership for Andhra Pradesh’s urban development strategy.
According to the GVMC Commissioner, the collaboration will create opportunities for Visakhapatnam to learn from internationally recognised urban transport systems and adopt sustainable practices suited to the city’s future growth. He said the initiative is expected to contribute to the development of the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER), which is being planned as a major centre for economic activity and technological advancement in the state.
Focus on Sustainable Mobility and Digital Innovation
The agreement outlines cooperation across several areas related to modern urban mobility. Both governments will work together on designing sustainable transport systems, preparing integrated transport plans, strengthening Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and improving digital ticketing infrastructure.
The partnership also includes collaboration on digital technologies that can improve transport services through better planning and efficient operations. Artificial Intelligence-based transport management, autonomous mobility infrastructure and participation in the Urban Transport Data Project form part of the roadmap agreed upon by both sides.
Officials believe these initiatives will help improve traffic management, passenger convenience and the overall efficiency of urban transportation while supporting future smart city projects in Visakhapatnam.
Cooperation Extends to Industrial and Technology Sectors
Beyond transport, the Memorandum of Cooperation covers several industrial and technology-driven sectors. These include automotive manufacturing, electronics production, energy storage systems, vertical transportation solutions and technology transfer.
The agreement also provides for technical cooperation through the exchange of experts, enabling professionals from both regions to share experience, technical knowledge and best practices. Officials expect this exchange to support capacity building and encourage innovation in infrastructure development.
The partnership traces its origins to Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh’s visit to Russia in June 2026. During that visit, discussions were held with Moscow’s transport authorities regarding possible collaboration in urban mobility, transport infrastructure, connectivity and emerging technologies, eventually leading to the formal agreement.
Leaders Welcome the International Partnership
Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat described the agreement as an important step toward bringing globally recognised transport technologies and modern urban planning practices to the city. He said the initiative aligns with the development vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and is expected to support the city’s transformation into a technologically advanced urban centre.
Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana stated that the cooperation would reinforce Visakhapatnam’s position as a major growth hub in northern Andhra Pradesh under the Visakhapatnam Economic Region initiative. He noted that international partnerships can play a valuable role in improving infrastructure and attracting future investments.
Principal Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department, S. Suresh Kumar, said the agreement would encourage continuous knowledge exchange and provide access to innovative solutions in urban mobility and digital transformation.
GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg added that the collaboration would contribute to improving civic infrastructure through technology-driven solutions while supporting sustainable and efficient urban development for the growing city.