VISAKHAPATNAM: Extensive preparations are underway for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Visakhapatnam on January 8, said Chief Secretary K Vijayanand. During a video conference held from the State Secretariat on Friday, Vijayanand reviewed the arrangements with officials from various departments and directed them to ensure meticulous and error-free preparations.
He emphasised that no lapses would be tolerated and instructed the Visakhapatnam District Collector, Police Commissioner, and other officials to execute all tasks on a war footing. While the detailed itinerary is yet to be finalised, the Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Vizag on the evening of January 8.
He will participate in a roadshow from Sampath Vinayaka Temple to the Andhra University Engineering College grounds, where a public meeting will take place.
Officials have been directed to ensure sufficient parking facilities for the large number of people, including the public and public representatives. The Electricity and Municipal Departments have been tasked with installing proper lighting along the roadshow route, the meeting venue, and parking areas.
Drinking water, temporary toilets, and other essential amenities are also to be arranged at these locations. Visakhapatnam District Collector Harendra Prasad noted that plans are being made to bring 1,20,000 people from Visakhapatnam, 10,000 from rural areas, and 40,000 from Anakapalle district to the event.
District Collectors from Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam have been instructed to organise safe transportation for people and ensure their return to their destinations. Adequate provisions for drinking water, snacks, and meals are being arranged to avoid complaints, and 22 parking areas are being prepared to accommodate vehicles.
During the visit, Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone. He will also virtually inaugurate the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Integrated Green Hydrogen Hub in Pudimadaka, Nakkapalli mandal, with a total investment of Rs 65,370 crore in three phases.
Additionally, he will launch the Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub, an initial Rs 1,518 crore project spanning 2,500 acres, expected to create 50,000 jobs. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a bulk drug park in Nakkapalli, which will be developed at a cost of Rs 1,876.66 crore on 2,001.8 acres, with an estimated investment of Rs 11,542 crore, creating 54,000 jobs.
Chief Secretary Vijayanand instructed officials to leave no room for errors in planning and execution, stating that preparations must reflect the importance of the occasion. Director General of Police (DGP) Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, CM Secretary Pradyumna, and TR&B Principal Secretary Kantilal Dande, along with Collectors and SPs from neighbouring districts, participated in the video conference.
GAD Principal Secretary S Suresh Kumar provided a detailed plan through a PowerPoint presentation, outlining the steps to be implemented by various officials. The Chief Secretary emphasised seamless coordination among all departments to ensure the success of the visit.
Key projects to be launched
Foundation stone for Visakhapatnam Railway Zone
Virtual launch of NTPC Integrated Green Hydrogen Hub
Launch of Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub
Foundation stone for bulk drug park