Vizag’s glass skywalk, Google Data Centre and more: 10 projects that show AP tourism and economic push in 2025

Amaravati: As 2025 comes to an end, Andhra Pradesh has a bundle of new things for tourists and locals. From Vizag’s longest glass skywalk to upcoming Wonderla and Imagicaa, there are new attractions and new projects lined up.

Called as people-friendly governance by the coalition government led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, 2025 included resolving revenue issues, expanding welfare and development programmes, and boosting industrial and tourism.

Here are some of the government initiatives set to change AP’s economic and social landscape:

1. Digi Rythu Bazaar

Forget Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart or any home delivery app, now get fresh vegetables and fruits directly from the farmers. For the first time, the Andhra Pradesh government has started a pilot project, ‘Digi Rythu Bazaar’ at the Visakhapatnam MVP Rythu Bazaar.

The Andhra Pradesh government launched the website (https://digirythubazaarap.com), through which people can buy vegetables from the app. The government tied up with Human Resources at Machint Solutions Ltd. for the project, and the pilot program has started from Visakhapatnam.

Customers can go to the website, add the required vegetables and fruits and place an order. The service is currently limited to a 5-km radius around the MVP Rythu Bazaar. The customers will get their order delivered by the end of the day.

2. Longest glass skywalk in Vizag

Vizag has unveiled India’s longest cantilever glass skywalk on Kailasagiri Hilltop. The skywalk has added to Vizag’s beautiful shoreline and lively cultural charm. The stunning glass bridge has now become a major tourist attraction in the state this vacation.

Inspired by iconic glass skywalks in China, this 50-metre cantilever structure is designed on the lines of the Vagamon Glass Bridge in Kerala and is set to surpass it as the longest of its kind in the country. Crafted entirely with high-quality German-imported glass and steel, the bridge sits 862 feet above ground and 1,000 feet above sea level. It features triple-layered, 40-mm tempered laminated glass treated to withstand coastal climatic conditions.

3. Wonderla in Vizag and Imagicaa in Tirupati

Bringing major cheer to the people of Andhra Pradesh, two of India’s leading entertainment destinations are set to establish theme parks in Andhra Pradesh.

The State government has announced the proposal for Wonderla Amusement Park in Visakhapatnam on 50 acres and Imagicaa World in Tirupati on 20 acres. Both projects are expected to significantly strengthen tourism infrastructure and generate substantial employment in the respective regions.

4. Google Data Centre

Google is set to establish its largest data centre outside the United States in Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam, with a $15 billion investment. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu stated that Google will establish the centre in October. The facility will serve as the anchor project of the proposed ‘Data City’, a 500-acre technology cluster being developed by the Andhra Pradesh government to transform Vizag into a global hub for IT and Artificial Intelligence.

As part of the project, Google has acquired 80 acres near the site and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the State government to lead the initiative.

Besides Google, HCL, TCS and Adani Data Centre are also setting up their units in the city. ArcelorMittal’s Steel Plant is also coming up in the city. This development is expected to transform Visakhapatnam into a prominent IT destination, potentially rivalling Hyderabad in the coming years.

5. AI-driven traffic management system

Vizag city is set to introduce an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system at major junctions to identify traffic violations, rash/helmetless driving, catch offenders and manage traffic regulations.

From April 1, 2026, Vizag will implement India’s first AI-driven Traffic Management System. This will feature:

1. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) at major junctions

2. Automated tracking of violations and over speeding

3. Less need for the physical presence of police at signals

4. Face recognition cameras in major public areas

This will be a game-changer in easing congestion and improving discipline. The automatic number plate recognition cameras will be set up at every junction, which will record all traffic violations. Any violation by the rider will receive a ‘love letter’ (in the form of an e-challan) by the time they reach home.

6. Volunteer-based service system in temples

CM Naidu has directed the Endowments Department to implement a volunteer-based service system across all temples in the state, modelled on the Srivari Sevakulu initiative at Tirumala. Under this system, devotees willing to serve will be identified, listed and encouraged to participate, similar to the practice already in place at Srisailam.

7. Bhogapuram Airport to become functional by May 2026

The construction of the Bhogapuram International Airport in Visakhapatnam, which is progressing rapidly, is to be completed by May 2026.

A trial run will be conducted in January 2026. The Bhogapuram International Airport is being developed on 2,203 acres, with an additional 500 acres recently handed over for allied facilities.

The airport area to also have GMR–Mansas Aviation EduCity, spread over about 136 acres, designed as a national capability platform to address the acute global and domestic shortage of aviation professionals and to position India as a leading supplier of aviation talent.

To ensure swift travel to the new airport, the government has recently revived the long-pending Beach Corridor project, which will cut travel time from Visakhapatnam city to Bhogapuram to just 45 minutes.

8. 613 MoUs at CII summit

A major turning point came in November at the 30th CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam, where investment commitments far exceeded expectations.

Against a target of Rs 10 lakh crore, the State announced that it secured Rs 13.25 lakh crore through 613 MoUs.

Investments are expected to generate large-scale employment and support inclusive urban and rural development.

9. Award for first Nobel Laureate in Quantum Science from AP

CM Naidu has kicked off a State-wide skilling initiative to create a quantum workforce to support the government’s Amaravati Quantum Valley ecosystem. He announced a Rs 100 crore award for the first Nobel laureate in Quantum Science from Andhra Pradesh.

The skilling programme is being implemented through a strategic partnership led by WISER (The Washington Institute for STEM, Entrepreneurship and Research) and Qubitech as the India partner.

10. BARC’s R&D campus in Anakapalli

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is planning to establish a new Research and Development campus spread across 3,000 acres in the Anakapalli district. The premier multi-disciplinary nuclear research organisation has approached the Andhra Pradesh government seeking approval to divert 148.15 hectares (0.366 acres) of land for the new project.