GVMC adopts Rs 4,180 cr budget, Credai says it will give urban infra push

Visakhapatnam: The recent adoption of a budget with an outlay of Rs4,180 crore for 2026-27 by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is expected to boost infrastructure, mainly the urban amenities in the city, the largest in Andhra Pradesh.

The budget was approved at a special session of the council here on Wednesday. Amid heated exchanges among the TDP-led coalition and Opposition members, the proposals were adopted. Some of the corporators including Peethala Yadav Murthy of Jana Sena Party and B. Ganga Rao of CPI (M) returned gift coupons of Rs25,000 each given to the council members. This was the last meeting before the expiry of the tenure of the elected body.

The corporation has projected revenue of Rs4,180.37 crore with an estimated closing balance of Rs133.25 crore. The total receipts were estimated at Rs3,814 crore.

Describing it as a strong growth driver, E Ashok Kumar, president of Credai Visakhapatnam, welcomed the budget approved by the GVMC for the upcoming financial year, calling it a sign of rising confidence in Visakhapatnam’s urban trajectory.

“This is forward planning. When a city commits serious funds to infrastructure, it signals stability and direction. That matters to residents, investors, and financial institutions,” he said. “Consistent investment in roads, drainage, water supply, and public health supports sustainable growth. Better civic services improve quality of life, which directly influences homebuyers, businesses, and long-term investors,” Ashok Kumar added.

The budget allocates Rs1,028 crore for engineering works, Rs455 crore for public health, Rs363 crore for AMRUT projects, Rs260 crore for water supply, Rs200 crore through Finance Commission funds, Rs129 crore for lighting, and Rs36 crore for parks and related facilities.