Push to redevelop ageing buildings to clear path for modern high-rises in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: With land turning scarce to meet the ever-increasing housing demand for the urban middle class, Andhra Pradesh's largest city Visakhapatnam is witnessing a new trend of demolishing old buildings to give scope to take up high rise structures.

Builders in large numbers are showing keen interest to take up such projects by offering a good sum with some even promising to foot the bill for their rentals during the new structure under construction. However, in some old buildings due to resistance by a few owners, the associations of concerned apartments are unable to come to a consensus in entering into an agreement with the prospective builders. Visakhapatnam population has already crossed 2.6 million and the proposed Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) has already finalised a $3,3 billion development blueprint for comprehensive infrastructure and in addressing the ga[s om urban mobility. The city is bound to expand further with the region mooted spreading over nine districts and Bhogapuram International Airport getting ready to launch commercial operations from June, 2026. The city's development as a growth hub is being monitored by the NITI Aayog.

With several buildings in Visakhapatnam ageing and nearing the end of their lifespan,several stakeholders have called for faster redevelopment following recent changes in building regulations. Many of these properties were built over two decades ago under norms restricting heights to three or four floors. Several are located along 12-metre roads and lack features now standard in modern developments, including structured parking, updated fire safety systems, and improved accessibility.

Attention has focused on properties linked to the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Urban Development Authority (erstwhile VUDA) and the Life Insurance Corporation of India in areas such as Seethammadhara and MVP Colony. Smaller parcels across the city are also under discussion. VUDA apartments built over three decades ago are also under discussion for reconstruction.

Amendment in GO No. 119 by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department permit construction of up to !) floors along 12-metre roads, has created redevelopment opportunities.

When contacted, CREDAI Visakhapatnam Chapter president E Ashok Kumar told Bizz Buzz that many older low-rise buildings had outlived their utility necessitating their redevelopment with modern amenities and more floors to accommodate a large number of people to lead comfortable life with easy access to the city's main junctions..

He said: "Residents in centrally located apartments value proximity to healthcare, education, and essential amenities. Accustomed to the city’s convenience and lifestyle, they are hesitant to move to the outskirts, where connectivity and infrastructure often remain limited.”

He added that the opportunity was not limited to government assets.

“Privately developed buildings limited to three or four floors can also be redeveloped into ten-floor projects at suitable locations,” he said. Ashok Kumar noted that many such sites are in central areas where vacant land is scarce. “With land prices rising and larger plots becoming difficult to acquire, redevelopment is a practical way to unlock value,” he said.

Showcasing the benefits, he said redevelopment can increase dwelling units without expanding the city’s footprint, helping to meet future demand. Officials in the civic urban body also favour the emerging trend to reduce the parking of vehicles on both sides of the road in Seethammadhara and MVP Colony as the old buildings do not have provision for parking of cars. Rebuilding high-rises will not only enhance the value of the property but also fetches more rental due to modern amenities.