The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has inaugurated its zonal office in Vizianagaram, a move aimed at decentralising administration, improving coordination with local bodies and ensuring faster implementation of development projects across the district. The office was inaugurated by VMRDA Chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal, who also held a Praja Darbar to review public grievances and local development priorities.
During the event, Pranav Gopal announced that VMRDA has earmarked nearly ₹28 crore over the past two years for infrastructure works in Vizianagaram and Nellimarla municipalities. Of this, around ₹16 crore has been allocated to Vizianagaram Municipality for strengthening civic infrastructure, while about ₹4 crore has been set aside for development works in Nellimarla Municipality.
Among the key projects, VMRDA will undertake the widening of the 1.45-km Seetham College–JNTU Master Plan Road to 80 feet at an estimated cost of ₹7.20 crore to improve traffic flow and connectivity. The authority also spent nearly ₹1 crore last year on the development of Gandhi Park and PSR Park. In the current financial year, ₹10 crore has already been released for roads, drains and culvert works, while an additional ₹5 crore will be sanctioned after the ongoing works are completed.
Pranav Gopal also announced plans to develop a model park in Vizianagaram on the lines of Visakhapatnam’s VUDA Park, subject to the availability of suitable land. He said the new zonal office will help bring VMRDA services closer to the public, facilitate quicker project execution and enhance coordination with urban local bodies for planned regional development.