About the City of Visakhapatnam:
Visakhapatnam formerly known as Vizagapatam also known as Vizag, Viśākha or Waltair is the largest and most populous metropolitan city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is between the Eastern Ghats and the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is the second largest city on the east coast of India after Chennai, and the fourth largest in South India. It is one of the four smart cities of Andhra Pradesh selected under the Smart Cities Mission and is the headquarters of Visakhapatnam district. With an estimated output of $43.5 billion, it is the ninth largest contributor to India's gross domestic product as of 2016.
Visakhapatnam's history dates back to the 6th century BCE. The city was ruled by the Andhra Satavahanas, Vengi, the Pallava and Eastern Ganga dynasties. Visakhapatnam was an ancient port city which had trade relations with the Middle East and Rome. Ships in Visakhapatnam were anchored at open roads and loaded with cargo transported from the shore side using small masula boats. A reference to a Vizagapatam merchant is available in the inscriptions of Bheemeswara temple (1068 CE) in the East Godavari District. During the 12th century CE, Vizagapatam was a fortified mercantile town managed by a guild. European powers eventually established trade operations in the city, and by the end of the 18th century it had come under French colonial rule. Control of the city passed to the East India Company in 1804 and it remained under British colonial rule until Indian independence in 1947.
During the 18th century Visakhapatnam was part of the Northern Circars, a region comprising coastal Andhra and southern coastal Odisha which was first under French control and later British. Visakhapatnam became a district in the Madras Presidency of British India. In September 1804, British and French squadrons fought the Battle of Vizagapatam near the harbour. After India's independence, it was the largest district in the country and was subsequently divided into the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam. Part of the city is known by its colonial British name, Waltair; during the colonial era, the city's hub was the Waltair railway station and a part of the city is still called Waltair.
If you're planning a trip to Visakhapatnam, here are the general transportation guidelines to help you with your journey:
Visakhapatnam has a well-developed transportation network that caters to residents, tourists, and business travellers. It includes an airport, railway stations, a port, and a variety of road transport options that connect the city to nearby and distant destinations.
Air Transportation
- Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ): Located around 12 km from the city center, Visakhapatnam Airport serves as the main air gateway to the city. It offers both domestic and limited international flights. Major airlines connect it with cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, along with international flights to destinations like Singapore and Dubai.
- Facilities: The airport has a well-equipped terminal with lounges, shopping areas, and dining options, making travel convenient.
Rail Transportation
- Visakhapatnam Railway Station (VSKP): The city’s main railway station, it’s one of the busiest in the country and a major hub in the Eastern Coastal Railway network. The station connects Visakhapatnam with other major Indian cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
- Rail Facilities: The main station is well-equipped with modern amenities, including escalators, waiting lounges, eateries, and booking counters.
Road Transportation
- Public Buses: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operates an extensive network of buses that serve both intra-city and inter-city routes. Buses are frequent and cover almost every major area in Visakhapatnam, from commercial hubs to tourist destinations.
- Private Buses and Cabs: Private operators also provide regular services between Visakhapatnam and neighboring cities like Vijayawada, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Cab services like Ola, Uber, and local operators are available for city travel and outstation trips.
- Auto-Rickshaws: Autos are a popular mode of transport for short distances. Fares are generally negotiable, and they are convenient for areas where buses don’t frequently run.
- Two-Wheeler Rentals: Motorbike and scooter rentals are common in tourist-heavy areas, providing a convenient and affordable way to explore the city.
Water Transportation
- Visakhapatnam Port: Primarily an industrial port, Visakhapatnam Port is one of the largest in India, handling a large volume of cargo. While it doesn’t serve passenger ships regularly, it does occasionally host cruises that stop for day excursions.
- Fishing Harbors and Boat Rides: Small fishing harbors offer local boat rides, and some private operators provide limited water-based tourism experiences along the coast.
Metro Rail (Proposed):
- Visakhapatnam Metro: A metro project is proposed to ease congestion in the city. The Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project aims to connect key areas and is expected to improve urban transportation, though the project is still in planning phases.
Intercity Connectivity
- National Highways: Visakhapatnam is connected by the NH-16 (formerly NH-5), which runs along India’s eastern coast and connects Kolkata to Chennai. This highway links Vizag to other important cities in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.
- Intercity Buses: APSRTC and private operators provide a range of bus services from luxury to sleeper coaches for travel to cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Tirupati.
Cycle and E-Rickshaw Services:
- The city has started promoting eco-friendly transportation by introducing e-rickshaws and renting cycles in select areas, especially along beach roads and tourist spots, as a step toward sustainable travel options.
Visakhapatnam's transportation options are well-rounded, providing flexibility and convenience for both locals and visitors, with efforts ongoing to further enhance infrastructure and connectivity across the region.
Address
Sciconx, Kings Houxse,
17 Soho Square London W1D 3QJ,
United Kingdom
