India Builds 3 Safe Hostels for Working Women

Visakhapatnam is building safe, affordable homes for thousands of women entering its booming workforce.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation is fast-tracking construction of three working women's hostels across this coastal city in southeastern India. Two facilities in the Mudasarlova and Gajuwaka neighborhoods are already 15% complete, while crews just broke ground on a third in Madhurawada.

The $20 million project targets women working in the city's rapidly expanding pharmaceutical, healthcare, IT, and education sectors. As more women migrate to Visakhapatnam for jobs, safe and affordable housing has become critical.

Commissioner Ketan Garg set an ambitious deadline: 50% completion by the end of March. To hit that target, the corporation is deploying additional workers and equipment at all three sites.

The project received funding from India's central government under a special infrastructure investment program. Although officials approved the hostels during the 2024-25 financial year, securing land and completing paperwork delayed the initial groundbreaking until November 2025.

Construction began first at Gajuwaka in November, followed by Mudasarlova in December. Local legislator Ganta Srinivasa Rao joined officials just days ago to launch the Madhurawada site.

The Ripple Effect

These hostels represent more than just beds and walls. They're opening doors for women who might otherwise skip job opportunities because safe housing seemed out of reach.

When women can work without fear for their safety or financial security, entire families benefit. The ripples extend to employers too, who gain access to talented workers they might have lost to housing concerns.

Visakhapatnam's industrial boom is creating jobs faster than the housing market can adapt. By stepping in with purpose-built facilities, city officials are ensuring economic growth includes everyone.

The three hostels will provide secure launchpads for women building careers and futures in one of India's fastest-growing cities.