VISAKHAPATNAM IS HEADED for a new tryst with destiny. The city-which has evolved more by accident than by design, wedged between the Bay of Bengal and hills on the other side-was declared the new capital this January as part of the state government's tri-capital plan. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy announced in March that Visakhapatnam will be the executive capital of Andhra Pradesh from September, with the state's administration shifting its headquarters from Amaravati, which serves as the current capital. On July 11, the Supreme Court put off the hearing against the tri-capital plan until December, which may force the CM to defer his moves to early 2024.
On May 3, Reddy green-flagged work for an international airport at Bhogapuram, which is being developed by the GMR Group, and for the Adani Integrated Data Centre and Technology Business Park to spur the information technology industry. "Andhra Pradesh, with its advantages of land for renewable energy and a long coastline, is well positioned to host data centre parks not only for our country but also for nations that are short of land or energy," declared Adani Group chief Gautam Adani on the occasion.
To realise the state government's new capital plan, a 500,000 sq. ft secretariat is to be built with all modern facilities, including a helipad. A metro rail transport system will reduce traffic congestion. These new projects will come up in the northernmost part of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) area, as recommended by the G.N. Rao committee on decentralised development.
CORE STRENGTHS
It was Sir C.R. Reddy who gave Visakhapatnam the cognomen 'City of Destiny' nearly a century ago. The founding vice chancellor of Andhra University, Sir Reddy had shifted its campus from Bezawada (now Vijayawada) to the port city in 1926, setting the pace for its growth. Now, the city seems on steroids.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FINGER CLICKING GOOD
Finally there’s a Smartphone that’s fit to fire your DSLR
RAISING THE BAR
In the dynamic world of mixology, where every drink tells a story and every pour is a masterpiece, a new chapter is being concocted by some of the bars. Here are eight bars that stirred up a riot.
TRUE BLUE
BLUE MAY BE a colour traditionally associated with all things royal, but when it comes to haute horology, especially Breguet, the hue lends its own cues.
DELICIOUS DINING WITH A SIDE OF LUSCIOUS VIEWS
Bonita, a quietly charming restaurant in Goa’s Arossim brims with flavour and a stunning landscape to boot.
A YEAR OF WONDER
Globetrotting to some of the more interesting travel options that spiced the calendar year
THE TASTE TEST - Some of the more interesting restaurants launched in Asia in 2024
In the dynamic culinary landscape of Asia, Spice embarks on a gastronomic journey through a kaleidoscope of noteworthy dining spots that shone through in 2024. From cosy havens celebrating rich cultural heritage using quality local ingredients to chic spaces blending global influences with a playful vibe, each venue offers something special, whether by the beach or beneath starry skies.
TECH TALK
From a Mac that became mini to gizmoheavy watches, from smart air purifiers to intelligent TVs, these top picks defined 2024.
BOOKS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2025
Book review
PEACE ABOVE ALL
Devdutt Pattanaik offers an alternative view of the Harappan civilisation in his newest book, Ahimsa: 100 Reflections on the Harappan Civilization
A Wealth of SCHOLARSHIP
For art historian Aman Nath, 2024 was a great year for art books, demonstrating the range of India's cultural wealth
