While converting Amaravati to a virtual residential colony, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is going all out to promote Visakhapatnam as an investment destination for industrialists.
On Tuesday, Jagan laid foundation stone for the Rs 600 crore Inorbit Mall to be built by K Raheja Group. This is going to be the biggest mall in the entire South India, coming up in an area of 13 acres.
“It will become a jewel of Visakhapatnam,” Jagan said addressing the gathering after participating in ground-breaking ceremony.
While the Inorbit Mall in Hyderabad was built in an area of 7 to 8 acres, the Vizag mall will come up in 13 acres out of the total 17 acres allotted to the project. He said it would provide direct and indirect employment to 8000 people.
The Raheja Group will develop IT space and an international convention centre in the rest of the four acres in the second phase in which 3000 persons will get employment.
The group is also planning to build super luxurious Raj Vilas type hospitality facilities in the city where May Fair and Oberoi Hotel groups are building 7-star hotels and resorts.
“During my last visit here, I laid foundation for Bhogapuram International airport, Adani Data centre and Mulapeta sea port in Srikakulam district. With the Inorbit Mall coming up here, the façade of North Andhra will change forever,” he said, adding it would help the city gain in more development.
Later, Jagan had a meeting with NITI Aayog Additional Secretary V Radha, along with her colleagues, who called on him at his Tadepalli camp office.
She said the NITI Aayog had selected Visakhapatnam among the four cities for urbanisation and industrialisation in the country.
The chief minister said the government is trying to place Visakhapatnam on the global map by developing Bhogapuram International Airport, Mulapeta Sea Port, Adani Data Centre, Sea port and airport connectivity road, Inorbit Mall and submarine museum and other projects.
“We are ready to extend all necessary support to the Government,” the NITI Aayog delegation assured the Chief Minister.