Andhra Pradesh Government will acquire 5,000 acres for IT parks in Vizianagaram: Collector B.R. Ambedkar

Introduction

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced plans to acquire 5,000 acres of land for setting up IT parks in the Vizianagaram district, especially around the upcoming Bhogapuram (Alluri Sitarama Raju) International Airport. Under the directive of Collector B. R. Ambedkar, land spanning along the National Highway 16 corridor between Rajapulova and Bhogapuram is being surveyed and earmarked for technology / IT park infrastructure. The aim is to make these parks operational in alignment with the airport’s opening, enabling connectivity, investment, and growth in the region.

History & Background

• The Bhogapuram International Airport (Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport) is a greenfield airport under construction in Vizianagaram district.

• The idea of developing infrastructure around the airport (such as industrial, logistics, and IT parks) has been floated earlier as part of efforts to leverage airport connectivity for regional development. 

• More recently, Collector B. R. Ambedkar has directed officials to find about 5,000 acres for IT parks along a 15-km stretch of NH-16 between Rajapulova and Bhogapuram. Land must be accessible and in blocks of at least 100 acres. 

• So far, about 754 acres have been identified. The government aims for readiness by June 2026, the currently scheduled target for the airport’s opening. 

What’s the Planning & What Would the IT Parks Be Like

• Location & Land Blocks: On both sides of NH-16 between Rajapulova and Bhogapuram, especially within ~200 meters of highway, to ensure easy road access. Blocks to be at least 100 acres each.

• Integration with Airport: These IT parks are planned to be directly connected via road, and benefit from proximity to air connectivity via Bhogapuram airport. The idea is to create an ecosystem where companies (especially software / tech / services) can operate with good infrastructure

• What kind of IT Park: Likely to include software companies, IT / ITeS (Information Technology enabled Services), data centres, perhaps tech R&D / back-office operations. It could also involve supporting infrastructure — roads, utilities, power, possibly green/open spaces. Whether this is just software or includes hardware / manufacturing / labs etc is not fully detailed yet.

• Timeline: The target is to have the IT parks ready by the time the airport becomes operational, i.e. June 2026. 

• Land Identification & Acquisition Process: Current stage is identifying parcels of land; officials are instructed to submit detailed reports. Compensation, land acquisition, conversion etc. will need to be addressed. 

Key Points & Latest Updates

• The stretch for land acquisition is 15 km of NH-16 between Rajapulova and Bhogapuram. 

• Already 754 acres have been located/identified.

• Each block of the IT Park must be >= 100 acres and with road access. 

• Parks should be located within 200 meters on both sides of the highway. 

• The deadline (airport & associated infrastructure) is June 2026. The IT parks are supposed to be ready by then.

Significance & Why This is Important

• Strategically, locating IT parks near a major international airport enhances connectivity, both for people and goods; useful for global companies, calling teams across borders, investors.

• Boost to the economy in North Andhra (Vizianagaram region) which so far may not have had the same infrastructure density as e.g. Visakhapatnam. Could bring job creation, ancillary businesses, improved real estate, service industries.

• Could help decentralize growth – mega urban centers get saturated; new corridors (airport + IT) can spread the load.

• Enhances state’s attractiveness to IT / tech investors, possibly multinational firms considering setting up offices outside major metros.

• Integration with airport planning also allows for aligned infrastructure: roads, power, utilities, even data / telecom, logistics.

Advantages & Positives

Disadvantages / Challenges & Risks

• Land acquisition issues: Displacement, compensation, legal disputes. Locals may resist; costs may escalate.

• Infrastructure delays: Even if airport is scheduled for June 2026, ancillary infrastructure (roads, power, utilities, telecom) must be synchronized; delays could affect the whole plan.

• Connectivity beyond road/airport: Last mile connectivity, public transport to connect workers to parks; if not addressed, IT firms may not find the location desirable.

• Talent availability: To attract IT companies, need a skilled workforce nearby; if Vizianagaram doesn’t yet have the required talent base or education/training facilities, companies may hesitate.

• Costs & Investment Risk: For companies investing, risk of lower-than-expected returns; risk of underutilisation if demand is not enough.

• Environmental / social impact: Clearing land, possible displacement, changes to land use, environmental degradation.

• Competition: Other states / regions may offer incentives; also, global firms have many options; state must offer attractive incentives, ease of doing business.

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

The move by the Andhra Pradesh government to acquire 5,000 acres in Vizianagaram to set up IT parks near Bhogapuram airport is ambitious and forward-looking. If successfully implemented, it could transform the region’s economic landscape, bringing jobs, infrastructure, and investment, while leveraging the airport’s connectivity.

However, much depends on execution: careful, fair land acquisition; synchronized infrastructure development; ensuring that the IT parks are plugged into the talent ecosystem; making policies attractive to investors; managing environmental and social costs; and setting realistic timelines.

In conclusion, this is a high-potential initiative, with upsides that could ripple across the local and state economy. But the risks are non-trivial. For the people of Vizianagaram, this could be an era of new opportunities—if the planning, implementation, and oversight are managed well.