Key Takeaways:
- Visakhapatnam MP unveils a 30-year master development plan to develop Kailasagiri global tourist destination with priority on safety.
- First field inspection by the Kailasagiri Development Committee reviewed roads, access, parking and eco-friendly transport such as e-buses.
- A 55-foot Trishul and new attractions, including a toy train and canteen facilities, are proposed to boost cultural and spiritual appeal.
- MP also engaged tribal youth on sustainable forestry and opened upgraded facilities at Bhimili Women’s Polytechnic College.
Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumilli Sribharat said on Tuesday that the State government will not compromise on safety standards as it moves to develop Kailasagiri into a global tourist destination. The announcement followed the first field-level inspection by the newly constituted Kailasagiri Development Committee under the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA).
Kailasagiri global tourist destination
The 16-member Joint Action Committee, chaired by the VMRDA Commissioner, carried out a comprehensive review of on-ground conditions and identified priorities for immediate and long-term action. Mr Sribharat, who serves as Permanent Special Invitee to the committee, said a master development plan aligned with the next 30 years will be prepared to ensure sustainable and systematic growth of the hilltop destination.
“Safety will be paramount,” the MP told officials during the inspection. “We must ensure tourists visit Kailasagiri and return safely with a pleasant experience.” Discussions at the site covered the development of new roads and merging points on the hilltop, creation of an alternative access road and expansion of parking facilities to manage visitor flow more effectively.
VMRDA Commissioner N. Tej Bharat said the committee discussed establishing parking at the foothills with onward transport to the hilltop by e-buses and other eco-friendly vehicles. Proposals to augment visitor amenities were also considered, including canteen facilities and a new toy train project aimed at improving accessibility and visitor experience.
Among the cultural additions announced was the construction of a 55-foot Trishul inspired by symbols of Lord Shiva. Mr Sribharat said the installation, estimated at ₹1.5 crore, would enhance the spiritual and cultural appeal of Kailasagiri and attract pilgrims alongside regular tourists.
Senior officials from various VMRDA departments attended the inspection, together with Visakhapatnam East MLA Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu and VMRDA Chairman Pranav Gopal. The committee will finalise technical studies and environmental assessments as it develops the masterplan and prioritises projects for phased implementation.
In parallel with the tourism initiative, Mr Sribharat took part in the 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme at GITAM Deemed to be University, supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Addressing participating students, he stressed that balanced growth that uses forest resources for development must be based on sustainable forestry practices to ensure regeneration and long-term resource availability.
He outlined the State government’s development model, noting that the Amaravati capital project uses a voluntary Land Pooling Scheme to bring farmers into the development process as partners rather than displacing them. He also encouraged tribal students to prepare for the CUET to seek admission to the tribal university at Salur and highlighted the benefits of mastering one’s mother tongue as a foundation for learning other languages.
Mr Sribharat also inaugurated a new Administrative Block, Laboratory Block and an Advanced Computer Lab at Bhimili Women’s Polytechnic College. During his visit he inspected facilities and spoke with students, advising them to focus on quality education, discipline and planning. Students requested uninterrupted power supply and the MP assured them he would coordinate with electricity officials to provide UPS facilities and improve reliability.
The combined focus on tourism infrastructure, cultural attractions and educational outreach signals a coordinated effort by state and local authorities to promote sustainable economic development in Visakhapatnam while preserving environmental and social objectives.
