10 special memories that lit up Vizag in 2018

2018 was a year to remember for the city. From announcements of fascinating projects to openings of newer public places, Vizag saw it all in the past year. As the city sets in for a brighter year ahead, we take you through the 10 major landmarks that studded our city last year.

#1 SUMMITS, CONFERENCES AND MORE

The city played host to a wide range of significant summits and conferences in 2018. While the CII Partnership Summit promised many interesting projects to the city, events such as TECH 2018 proposed multiple agendas to help the city take strides on the technological front. The talking point though, proved to be humanoid robot Sophia’s special interaction with Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh at the Fintech Festival.

#2 CONTROL WITH A COMMAND

Inaugurated by Chief Minister, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, in February, the Command Control Centre (CCC) added to the city’s repertoire of technological advancements. Built with a whopping budget of Rs 140 crores, the centre aims at facilitating e-governance of the city. From monitoring traffic to tracking cyclones approaching the city, this tech-based hub is expected to serve myriad purposes in the coming days.

#3 SAILING THE SEA

The inaugural edition of the Vizag Yachting Festival saw luxury yachts and travel enthusiasts converge in the city’s shores. Initiated to promote Vizag as a marine tourism destination, the 4-day festival was flagged off by Chief Minister, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, in March. From taking the participants on merry rides on the sea to treating them to thrilling water feats and off-shore gala parties, the festival ticked all the right boxes.

#4 ADDING TO THE SCENE

Another of the notable landmarks was the beach beautification. Thanks to some interesting additions last year, Vizag’s favourite RK Beach has been made all the more special. The coconut trees on the waterfront, added to beatific scenes at the beach while facilities such as the All Abilities Park gave kids more reasons to make merry by the shore.

#5 WALMART TO THE FORE

Making a much-awaited entry to Vizag, international shopping giant Walmart, opened its first store in the city last October. The outlet, which marked the brand’s 23rd store in the country, is expected to boost the regional farming economy by sourcing vegetables directly from the local producers.

#6 ALL HAIL THE KING

Virat Kohli continued his love-affair with Vizag. The city proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Indian skipper yet again as he notched up a majestic century against West Indies in the 2nd match of the ODI series. The fans also got to witness a special feat as Kohli surpassed one of the coveted landmarks by scoring 10,000 runs in ODI cricket during his sublime knock.

#7 THE LITERARY CARNIVAL

The bygone year not only witnessed ambitious tourism projects unfurl to a larger spectrum of travel fanatics, but also unravelled other fascinating events that catered to the rather uncharted facets of the city’s interests. A major one among them was the first season of the Vizag Junior Literary Fest; a two-day event that brought together authors and storytellers across the globe to thrill the literary followers in the city.

#8 CHUGGING AWAY

One of the proud landmarks that marked last year. 2018 saw the Waltair (now Visakhapatnam) Railway Division etch a golden occasion in its proud legacy. The division celebrated the 125th anniversary of the passage of its first passenger and goods trains in 1893. Marking the distinction of the event, a commemorative coin and special postal cover were unveiled at the celebrations organised at Andhra University Convention Centre in the city.

#9 THE TATA VISIT

#10 FLYING INTERNATIONAL

Vizag continued to open its doors to newer international destinations. Adding to the already connected destinations of Singapore, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, December 2018 saw the launch of a direct flight from the city to Bangkok. The 180-seater Airbus by Air Asia is expected to serve the increasing demand of the tourists willing to fly to Thailand.