Vijayawada to Expand into a Mega City by Merging 75 Panchayats

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) in Andhra Pradesh has submitted a proposal to merge some 75 surrounding gram-panchayats into its jurisdiction, expanding from about 61.9 sq km to nearly 500 sq km.

The plan, reported by The Times of India, would absorb areas such as Kanuru, Poranki, Tadigadapa, Yenamalakuduru and others, and would dissolve the nearby municipalities of Kondapalli and Tadigadapa.

If approved, this transformation positions Vijayawada to become the largest municipal corporation in the state, overtaking Visakhapatnam.

Proponents tout improved administrative efficiency and streamlined development potential; local civic groups caution about overburdening infrastructure and higher tax burdens for former rural zones.

The move shows how tier-2 cities are shifting from incremental growth to large-scale urban expansion, aiming to integrate suburban, peri-urban and rural hinterlands to support industry, housing and connectivity growth.