Vizag will overtake Hyd in growth: Lokesh

Visakhapatnam is on the fast track to becoming a major economic powerhouse, with Minister for IT & HRD, Nara Lokesh, expressing confidence that the city will soon outpace Hyderabad in development. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a hotel to be constructed by Varun Group at RK Beach, Lokesh underscored the city’s growing industrial and IT potential.
Reaffirming the government’s dedication to progress, Lokesh highlighted several transformative initiatives undertaken in Visakhapatnam over the past ten months. He announced an ambitious plan to create five lakh IT jobs over the next five years, positioning the city as Andhra Pradesh’s iconic capital. Additionally, he emphasised efforts to establish Visakhapatnam as India’s fifth economic capital, ensuring balanced growth across various sectors.
Acknowledging the overwhelming electoral support, Lokesh noted that the city delivered the highest-majority seats in the state, reaffirming public trust in the administration’s vision. Highlighting the significance of the Varun Bay Sands Hotel, Lokesh stated that the project would elevate Andhra Pradesh’s tourism sector and bring national recognition. He credited Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for spearheading the state’s rapid advancement in industrial, tourism, and IT sectors.
Criticising the previous government, Lokesh recalled instances where obstacles were allegedly created to prevent Naidu’s visit to Visakhapatnam, including the use of heavy machinery to block access to Vizianagaram’s Ramateertham temple.  Providing a further boost to Visakhapatnam’s economic prospects, Lokesh announced the imminent entry of Lulu Group into the city. Over the past ten months, the administration has actively attracted major investments, securing commitments from companies like TCS, a metal plant, and a hydrogen plant.
Stressing the transition from “ease of doing business” to “speed of doing business,” he voiced confidence in achieving a trillion-dollar economy in North Andhra Pradesh. He expressed regret that Visakhapatnam, once among India’s top nine economic cities, had fallen to the tenth position due to past governance failures. Lokesh also highlighted the pivotal role of MP Sribharat and Visakhapatnam’s MLAs in transforming the city into the country’s fifth-largest economic hub and a premier IT destination. He reiterated the goal of generating five lakh IT jobs within five years and confirmed that a structured roadmap was in place to achieve this vision.
Applauding the city’s vibrant environment, he emphasized its potential for tourism, concerts, and sporting events. Additionally, he assured that Amaravati’s infrastructure projects would be completed within three years and confirmed that the Bhogapuram International Airport would be operational within a year, ahead of the Vijayawada Airport.
Several prominent dignitaries attended the event, including Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, and former minister