Visakhapatnam: Vizag district contributed about Rs 1.19 lakh crore, or 9.15% of the total gross domestic product (GDP) of Andhra Pradesh in 2022-23, securing first position among all districts. In comparison, NTR district, which stood second, contributed around Rs 73,632 crore (5.65% of the GDP). Krishna came third with Rs 68,301 crore (5.24%).
Despite Visakhapatnam’s strong performance, other districts in the north coastal region of Andhra Pradesh are struggling. Of the state’s 26 districts, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram-Manyam, and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) are ranked the lowest, occupying 24th, 25th, and 26th positions, respectively. Srikakulam and Anakapalli also lag behind, securing 20th and 15th positions, respectively.
While Visakhapatnam is the industrial and services capital of AP, the rest of north coastal region have remained largely underdeveloped. The region continues to face numerous developmental challenges, including migrations, inadequate infrastructure, limited employment opportunities, incomplete irrigation projects, and an over-reliance on low-value agricultural sectors. The absence of diversification into non-agricultural sectors, particularly services and light manufacturing, along with under-industrialisation, exacerbates the economic stagnation.
In contrast, Visakhapatnam has benefited from its strategic advantages, including major industries such as steel, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals, along with robust port infrastructure that facilitates trade and industrial growth. Its higher urbanisation levels compared to others have further fuelled the expansion of its services and manufacturing sectors.
These factors enable Visakhapatnam to dominate AP’s industrial sector, contributing a remarkable 18.82% to the industrial gross value added (GVA), securing the top rank. The district also leads in the services sector with a 10.22% contribution, maintaining its first-place position in this domain as well.
In contrast, districts such as Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) and Parvathipuram-Manyam face significant growth barriers due to their rugged terrain and poor connectivity. Their tribal-dominant populations and limited access to economic opportunities are reflected in their poor rankings across agriculture, services, and industry, with no sector ranking higher than 24th.
Similarly, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts struggle with industrial underperformance, each contributing just 2.2% to the state’s industrial GVA. Their contributions to the services sector remain negligible, at only 3% each, highlighting the region’s economic disparity. Even the fisherfolk in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram are being forced to migrate as mechanisation has left the Bay of Bengal barren.
CPM corporator B Ganga Rao said even after the state’s bifurcation, the backward districts continue to face significant challenges. “While disparities between districts remain, agricultural production has increased, yet the income of people dependent on agriculture has declined. Furthermore, land consolidation is unfortunately on the rise. The recent Vision-2047 plan announced by the state govt will exacerbate these disparities, as the proposed development plans are centred around metropolitan areas. For comprehensive development of the state, however, the diverse geographical conditions and local resources must be taken into account,” said Ganga Rao.
Projections for 2028-29 suggest that Tirupati, currently ranked fourth in GDP contribution among all 26 districts, will rise to second place, surpassing both NTR and Krishna districts, with Visakhapatnam maintaining its top position.
Despite Visakhapatnam’s strong performance, other districts in the north coastal region of Andhra Pradesh are struggling. Of the state’s 26 districts, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram-Manyam, and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) are ranked the lowest, occupying 24th, 25th, and 26th positions, respectively. Srikakulam and Anakapalli also lag behind, securing 20th and 15th positions, respectively.
While Visakhapatnam is the industrial and services capital of AP, the rest of north coastal region have remained largely underdeveloped. The region continues to face numerous developmental challenges, including migrations, inadequate infrastructure, limited employment opportunities, incomplete irrigation projects, and an over-reliance on low-value agricultural sectors. The absence of diversification into non-agricultural sectors, particularly services and light manufacturing, along with under-industrialisation, exacerbates the economic stagnation.
In contrast, Visakhapatnam has benefited from its strategic advantages, including major industries such as steel, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals, along with robust port infrastructure that facilitates trade and industrial growth. Its higher urbanisation levels compared to others have further fuelled the expansion of its services and manufacturing sectors.
These factors enable Visakhapatnam to dominate AP’s industrial sector, contributing a remarkable 18.82% to the industrial gross value added (GVA), securing the top rank. The district also leads in the services sector with a 10.22% contribution, maintaining its first-place position in this domain as well.
In contrast, districts such as Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) and Parvathipuram-Manyam face significant growth barriers due to their rugged terrain and poor connectivity. Their tribal-dominant populations and limited access to economic opportunities are reflected in their poor rankings across agriculture, services, and industry, with no sector ranking higher than 24th.
Similarly, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts struggle with industrial underperformance, each contributing just 2.2% to the state’s industrial GVA. Their contributions to the services sector remain negligible, at only 3% each, highlighting the region’s economic disparity. Even the fisherfolk in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram are being forced to migrate as mechanisation has left the Bay of Bengal barren.
CPM corporator B Ganga Rao said even after the state’s bifurcation, the backward districts continue to face significant challenges. “While disparities between districts remain, agricultural production has increased, yet the income of people dependent on agriculture has declined. Furthermore, land consolidation is unfortunately on the rise. The recent Vision-2047 plan announced by the state govt will exacerbate these disparities, as the proposed development plans are centred around metropolitan areas. For comprehensive development of the state, however, the diverse geographical conditions and local resources must be taken into account,” said Ganga Rao.
Projections for 2028-29 suggest that Tirupati, currently ranked fourth in GDP contribution among all 26 districts, will rise to second place, surpassing both NTR and Krishna districts, with Visakhapatnam maintaining its top position.
