Mega success of yoga showdown gives shot in arm to 'Brand Vizag'

The overwhelming success of International Day of Yoga in Visakhapatnam with participation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a shot in arms to the campaign to promote 'Brand Vizag.' As many as two Guinness Book of Records and 21 world records were achieved as the month-long 'Yogandhra' drive culminated into the mega success of the event. Little over three lakh people participated in the city at multiple locations between RK Beach to Bhogapuram. The 'Surya Namaskar' by 22,000-odd tribal students was recognised by Guinness as a world record.

"The phenomenal success has led to showcasing of Visakhapatnam's panoramic location to the world--the unique combination of blue waters of the Bay of Bengal and the green-capped hillocks has helped us in promoting Brand Andhra Pradesh in general and Brand Vizag in particular," Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh told Bizz Buzz. The event was hosted in the backdrop of the State Government's decision to develop Visakhapatnam region comprising eight areas into a regional economic hub with a GDP of USD120 billion by 2032. At present, Visakhapatnam city, the largest in Andhra Pradesh accounts for a GDP of USD49 billion.

The region consists of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalle, Kakinada, East Godavari, Alluri Sitharama Raju and Manyam districts. GMR Group is developing a greenfield international airport at Bhogapuram, 40 km from here at a cost of Rs.4,000 crore in the first phase. Massive investments are in the pipeline in the region. The operationalisation of South Coast Railway Zone will be made soon with the appointment of a General Manager and finalisation of tenders for construction of zonal buildings. ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel (AMNS) India is investing Rs.1.47 lakh crore on an integrated steel plant in Anakapalle district to produce 17.8 million tonnes.

NTPC Green Energy Ltd has been allotted land at Pudimadaka near here to establish India's first Green Hydrogen Hub at a cost of Rs.1.85 lakh crore. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) is developing a 6,600 MW nuclear power plant at Kovvada in Srikakulam district with an investment of Rs.2.5 lakh crore. A greenfield port at Mulapeta is being developed by AP Maritime Board near Bhavanapadu in Srikakulam district. TCS and Cognizant have been allotted land in Visakhapatnam to establish development centres with a combined investment of nearly Rs.3,000 crore.