Visakhapatnam, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, undertook an aerial survey on Friday to personally evaluate the advancement of various projects underway in North Andhra and to assess the Visakhapatnam Economic Region.

He utilized a helicopter to observe the ongoing construction in several areas related to ports, airports, and IT companies.

During this survey, he engaged with officials regarding the progress of pivotal projects within the Visakhapatnam Economic Region. Discussions included the Bhogapuram Airport, the Raipur-Visakhapatnam National Highway, and various connectivity initiatives along the coast.

Subsequently, Chief Minister Chandrababu convened a review session focused on the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) with ministers, public representatives, and officials.

This meeting evaluated initiatives planned across nine districts under VER, existing industries, objectives, and strategies designed to attract investment.

The VER Master Plan was a central topic of discussion. An official statement revealed that 49 projects aimed at the comprehensive development of VER were under consideration, encompassing roads, railways, ports, logistics, and other sectors.

The meeting set an ambitious goal to transform VER into a $125 to 135 billion economy by the year 2032.

Action plans were tailored for various departments including commerce, industries, municipal administration, tourism, infrastructure, roads, IT, agriculture, forestry, healthcare, education, skill training, and electricity.

Discussions also covered ongoing and proposed railway projects within VER, in addition to national highways.

Ministers present included Nara Lokesh, Atchennaidu, Narayana, TG Bharat, Kandula Durgesh, Kondapalli Srinivas, Dola Sribala Veeranjaneya Swamy, and Kollu Ravindra.

The Chief Secretary, K. Vijayanand, along with Collectors from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, ASR, Parvathipuram Manyam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Ambedkar Konaseema district, and senior officials from various departments were also in attendance.

VER spans nine districts over 38,000 square kilometers, with a population of 1.65 crore and a current GDP of $52 billion. The region boasts a per capita income of $3,170 and a workforce of seven million.

Presently, VER represents 31% of the state's area and 23% of its population, contributing 30% to the state's GDP.

The development strategy for VER is anchored on seven growth drivers: global port, next-gen IT, agriculture, tourism, healthcare hub, planned urbanization, and superior infrastructure.

The region currently hosts six ports: Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kakinada Deep Water, and Kakinada Anchorage. Future plans include the establishment of new ports at Kakinada Gateway and Moolapeta.

Proposals are in place for seven new railway projects, nine road projects, and a 77 km Mera Vizag Metro.

Plans include the development of 12 manufacturing hubs, 18 agricultural districts, world-class nurseries, food parks, an aquapark, and five fishing harbors.

Furthermore, an additional 750,000 houses, 10,000 hotel rooms, up to 20 medical, IT, and skill development colleges, 5,000 hospital beds, 50,000 acres designated for industries, 50 million square feet of office space, and 60 million square feet of warehouses are planned for VER.