Fri Sep 26 19:02:37 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Visakhapatnam is actively working towards becoming a sustainable and resilient model city. District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad outlined the city’s progress and future plans at a conference on urban planning, highlighting inclusivity, improved transportation (including a metro rail and initiatives for women), infrastructure upgrades (pothole repair, road widening, intelligent traffic systems), disaster preparedness (underground power cabling, flood mitigation proposals), and conservation efforts (restoring water bodies, managing coastal erosion). He emphasized the importance of community participation and collaboration with NGOs and think tanks in achieving these goals.

**News Article:**

**Visakhapatnam Aims to be Sustainable Model City by 2029**

**VISAKHAPATNAM, Sept. 27, 2025** – Visakhapatnam is making significant strides toward becoming a sustainable and resilient model city, according to District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad. Speaking at the inaugural of the conference on ‘Urban Planning and Future Cities’ organized by CII in collaboration with VMRDA and IGBC, Prasad outlined a comprehensive vision for the city’s future, emphasizing inclusivity, mobility, resilience, and conservation.

“Our focus is on creating a city that serves all sections of society, particularly migrants, slum dwellers, and vulnerable communities,” Prasad stated.

A key component of the plan is improved transportation. The proposed metro rail project, slated for operation by the 2028-29 financial year, is expected to significantly enhance public transport. Furthermore, initiatives like “Stree Shakti,” offering free public transport for women, will play a vital role.

The district administration has already made progress in infrastructure development, ensuring 90-95% of city roads are pothole-free and identifying roads for widening to ease congestion. An Intelligent Traffic Management System, utilizing dynamic technology to regulate signals and reduce travel time, is also in the works.

Recognizing the city’s vulnerability to cyclones, urban flooding, and sea-level rise, the administration has submitted a ₹200 crore proposal to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for flood risk mitigation. Coastal erosion management projects are also being prepared through VMRDA. The city has already invested in underground power cabling to enhance disaster preparedness following Cyclone Hudhud in 2014.

Furthermore, a ₹550 crore underground tunnel (UGT) network is proposed for Madhurawada to serve two lakh residents, and 41 drains opening into the sea will be connected to sewage treatment plants.

Prasad stressed the importance of preserving Visakhapatnam’s natural and cultural heritage. He emphasized that restoring water bodies and ensuring the prudent use of resources requires the active participation of communities, NGOs, and think tanks in collaboration with government initiatives.

VMRDA Joint Commissioner K. Ramesh and representatives from the State Bank of India, CII Green Building Council, and CII A.P. also spoke at the conference, underscoring the collaborative effort required to realize Visakhapatnam’s ambitious vision for a sustainable future.

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