Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is a port city on the eastern coast of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the headquarters of Visakhapatnam district and is the largest and most populous city in Andhra Pradesh. Situated between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, it is a major centre for shipping, heavy industry, defence, information technology, and tourism in southern India.
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| District | Visakhapatnam |
| Region | Coastal Andhra (Uttarandhra) |
| Other names | Vizag, Waltair |
| Coastline | Bay of Bengal |
| Languages | Telugu (official), English, Hindi, Urdu |
| Civic body | Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) |
Geography
Visakhapatnam lies on the Coromandel Coast, with the Eastern Ghats forming a natural backdrop on the landward side. The city is set among hills, valleys and beaches, with notable promontories such as Dolphin's Nose and Kailasagiri overlooking the harbour and coastline. The coastal stretch includes Ramakrishna Beach, Rushikonda Beach and Yarada Beach. The Meghadrigedda reservoir and the Mudasarlova reservoir are among its principal water sources.
History
The region around Visakhapatnam has been inhabited since antiquity and finds mention in references to ancient Kalinga and Andhra polities. Over the centuries it came under various dynasties including the Eastern Chalukyas, Cholas, Gajapatis of Odisha and the Vijayanagara Empire, before passing under the rule of the Qutb Shahis and the Mughals. In the 18th century, control shifted between French and British forces, and the town became part of the Madras Presidency under British rule, where its European quarter came to be known as Waltair.
The city's modern port was opened in 1933, marking its transformation into a major maritime and industrial centre. After Indian independence, Visakhapatnam grew rapidly with the establishment of large public-sector enterprises and naval facilities. Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, it emerged as the principal economic hub of the residual state.
Economy
Visakhapatnam is one of India's most industrialised cities. Major institutions and enterprises based in the city include:
- Visakhapatnam Port Authority – one of India's major ports, handling significant cargo on the east coast.
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited – a major shipbuilding and repair facility.
- Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (Visakhapatnam Steel Plant) – a large integrated steel producer.
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited – operates a refinery in the city.
- Bharat Heavy Plate and Vessels Limited (BHPV).
- Pharmaceutical, IT and fisheries clusters, including the special economic zones around Atchutapuram and Rushikonda IT Park.
Defence and naval establishments
Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. It hosts a major naval base and is home to the submarine arm of the Navy. Other defence-related establishments in and around the city include the Naval Dockyard, the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of DRDO, and INS Kalinga. The Submarine Museum, built around the decommissioned INS Kursura, is located on Ramakrishna Beach.
Education and research
- Andhra University, established in 1926, one of the oldest universities in southern India.
- Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM-V).
- Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), a deemed university.
- Andhra Medical College, one of the older medical institutions in the region.
- Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam Campus.
- National Institute of Oceanography regional centre and other research bodies.
Transport
The city is connected by road, rail, sea and air:
- Visakhapatnam Airport at Lankelapalem serves domestic and selected international destinations and includes a naval air station (INS Dega).
- Visakhapatnam Junction is a major railway station on the Howrah–Chennai main line and is the headquarters of the East Coast Railway zone's operational hub for the region.
- National Highway 16 (the Chennai–Kolkata corridor) passes through the city.
- Public transport is provided largely by APSRTC city services.
Culture and tourism
Notable landmarks and attractions include Kailasagiri hill park, the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, the Visakha Museum, INS Kursura Submarine Museum, TU-142 Aircraft Museum, Borra Caves and the hill station of Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghats, accessible by a scenic rail route. Religious sites include the Simhachalam Temple dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha, the Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple, the ISKCON temple, and historic churches and mosques in the older parts of the city.
The city hosts the Visakha Utsav, an annual cultural festival, and has periodically been a venue for the Indian Navy's International Fleet Review.
Administration
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) administers the city's civic affairs. Visakhapatnam is represented in the Lok Sabha by the Visakhapatnam constituency and in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly through several constituencies covering different parts of the urban area.
Related topics
- Andhra Pradesh
- Visakhapatnam district
- Eastern Naval Command
- Visakhapatnam Port
- Andhra University
- Simhachalam Temple
- Araku Valley
- Eastern Ghats
- Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
References
- Wikidata: Q200016
- Government of Andhra Pradesh, official portal.
- Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, official website.
- Indian Navy, Eastern Naval Command, official website.