Vijayawada: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}

| name                     = Vijayawada

| other_name               = Bezawada

| settlement_type         = [[Metropolis]]

| image_skyline           = {{multiple image

| total_width              = 270

| image1 =  Vijayawada landscape.jpg

| image6      = Kanaka Durga Temple.jpg

| image4    = Prakasam Barrage, Vijayawada 2016 (7).jpg

| image5 =Vijayawada from Gandhi Hill.jpg

| image2      = Priest performing evening Aarti @vijayawada.jpg|150px

| image3      = Bus stop beside Eastern Entrance of Vijayawada Junction.jpg|150px

| image7      = Vijayawada Airport 10 (November 2018).jpg|150px

| image_caption           = Clockwise from top: City view, [[Vijayawada Junction railway station|Vijayawada Railway Station]], view from Gandhi hill, [[Vijayawada Airport]], [[Prakasam Barrage]], [[Krishna River]] and [[Kanaka Durga Temple]]

| etymology               = The Place of Victory

| nickname                 = Commercial capital of Andhra Pradesh

| pushpin_map             = India Andhra Pradesh#India

| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Andhra Pradesh##Location in India

| pushpin_label           = <!-- only necessary if "name" or "official_name" are too long -->

| pushpin_label_position   = right

| coordinates             = {{coord|16.5193|N|80.6305|E|display=inline,title}}

| coordinates_footnotes   = <!-- for references: use <ref>tags -->

| subdivision_type         = Country

| subdivision_name         = {{flag|India}}

| subdivision_type1       = [[States and union territories of India|State]]

| subdivision_name1       = [[Andhra Pradesh]]

| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts in India|District(s)]]

| subdivision_name2         =  

[[NTR district|NTR]]<br/ >

[[Krishna district|Krishna]]

| established_date         = <!-- requires established_title= -->

| established_title1       = Incorporated (Municipality)

| established_date1       = 1 April 1888

| established_title2       = Incorporated (Corporation)

| established_date2       = 1981

| parts_type               = Wards

| parts                   =  

| government_footnotes     = <ref name="council">{{cite news |last1=M. N. |first1=Samdani |title=Andhra Pradesh's move to supply Krishna water to Coca-Cola plant irks opposition |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Andhra-Pradeshs-move-to-supply-Krishna-water-to-Coca-Cola-plant-irks-opposition/articleshow/47239899.cms |access-date=25 May 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=12 May 2015 |location=Mangalagiri |language=en|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225053056/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Andhra-Pradeshs-move-to-supply-Krishna-water-to-Coca-Cola-plant-irks-opposition/articleshow/47239899.cms |archive-date=25 February 2021 }}</ref>

| government_type         = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Mayor–Council]]

| governing_body           = [[Vijayawada Municipal Corporation]], [[APCRDA]]

| leader_party             = [[YSR Congress Party|YSRCP]]

| leader_title             = [[Mayor]]

| leader_name             = [[Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi]]

| unit_pref               = Metric

| area_footnotes           = <ref name=profile>{{cite web|title=Vijayawada: A Profile|url=https://www.ourvmc.org/jnnurm/ch1.pdf|website=Vijayawada Municipal Corporation|access-date=11 December 2015|page=1|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130009/https://www.ourvmc.org/jnnurm/ch1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

| area_total_km2           = 61.88

| area_metro_footnotes     = <ref name="census">{{cite web |title=Population of Vijayawada |url=http://mohua.gov.in/cms/number-of-cities--towns-by-city-size-class.php |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs |access-date=15 July 2020 |date=2011}}</ref>

| area_metro_km2           = 181.04

| elevation_footnotes     =  

| elevation_m             =  

| population_as_of         = 2011

| population_footnotes     =  

| population_total         = 1021806<ref name="population" />

| pop_est_as_of            =  

| pop_est_footnotes        =  

| population_est          =  

| population_rank         = [[List of cities in Andhra Pradesh|2nd ( in Andhra Pradesh)]]<br />[[List of cities in India by population|42nd (in India)]]

| population_density_km2   = 17000

| population_metro         = 1476931<ref name="solid_waste">{{cite web |title=Solid Waste Generation in 46 Metrocities |url=http://cpcb.nic.in/uploads/MSW/trend_46_cities_list.pdf |website=Central Pollution Control Board |publisher=Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India }}</ref>

| population_blank1_title =  

| population_blank1       =  

| population_note         =  

| demographics_type1       = Literacy

| demographics1_title1     = Literates

| demographics1_info1     = 789,038

| demographics1_title2     = Literacy rate

| demographics1_info2     = 82.59%

| demographics_type2       = Languages

| demographics2_title1     = Official

| demographics2_info1     = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]

| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]

| utc_offset1             = +5:30

| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]

| postal_code             = 520xxx

| area_code_type           = <!-- defaults to: Area code(s) -->

| area_code               = +91–866

| registration_plate_type = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|Vehicle registration]]

| registration_plate       = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|AP 16]]

| website                 = {{URL|http://vijayawada.cdma.ap.gov.in/}}

| footnotes               =  

| official_name           =  

'''Vijayawada''' (formerly '''Bezawada''')<ref>{{cite news |title=Tunnel road lives up to name Bezawada |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151111/nation-current-affairs/article/tunnel-road-lives-name-bezawada |access-date=10 May 2019 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=11 November 2015 |language=en|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307213612/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151111/nation-current-affairs/article/tunnel-road-lives-name-bezawada |archive-date=7 March 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rao |first1=G. Venkataramana |title=Xuan Zang stayed in Vijayawada to study Buddhist scriptures |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Xuan-Zang-stayed-in-Vijayawada-to-study-Buddhist-scriptures/article16091816.ece |access-date=10 May 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=3 November 2016 |language=en-IN|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108124322/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Xuan-Zang-stayed-in-Vijayawada-to-study-Buddhist-scriptures/article16091816.ece |archive-date=8 November 2020 }}</ref> is the second largest city in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/190816/vijayawada-is-third-densely-packed-city-31200-people-in-every-square-km.html|title=Vijayawada is the third most densely packed city; 31,200 people in every square km|last=reddy|first=u sudhakar|date=19 August 2016|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=25 April 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308043848/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/190816/vijayawada-is-third-densely-packed-city-31200-people-in-every-square-km.html|archive-date=8 March 2021}}</ref> and is a part of the state's ,Capital Region. It is the administrative headquarters of the [[NTR district]].City spreads in NTR and Krishna district. Vijayawada lies on the banks of [[Krishna river]] surrounded by the hills of [[Eastern Ghats]], known as Indrakeeladri Hills.<ref name="Geography of Vijayawada">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/vijayawada/geography.html|title=Geography of Vijayawada|website=www.mapsofindia.com|access-date=17 April 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308191341/https://www.mapsofindia.com/vijayawada/geography.html|archive-date=8 March 2021}}</ref> It geographically lies on the [[Midpoint|center spot]] of Andhra Pradesh.<ref name="vijayawadapolice.ap.gov.in">{{Cite web|url=http://vijayawadapolice.ap.gov.in/?page_id=9766|title=About Vijayawada – VijayawadaPolice|language=en-US|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> The city has been described as the [[commerce|commercial]], political, cultural and [[education]]al capital of Andhra Pradesh,<ref name="vijayawadapolice.ap.gov.in"/> second largest city in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the fastest growing urban areas in India.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Pink|first1=William T.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gXLbDQAAQBAJ&q=commercial+capital+of+andhra+pradesh+vijayawada&pg=PA400|title=Second International Handbook of Urban Education|last2=Noblit|first2=George W.|date=2017|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-3-319-40317-5|page=400|language=en|access-date=10 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Rao|first1=Ch Krishna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=12oxBwAAQBAJ&q=commercial+capital+of+andhra+pradesh+vijayawada&pg=PA38|title=Adoption of Tissue Culture in Horticulture: A Study of Banana-Growing Farmers from a South-Indian State|date=2014|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|isbn=978-1-4438-5741-3|page=37|language=en|access-date=10 May 2019}}</ref>

Vijayawada is considered to be a [[Shrine|sacred place]] for residing one of the most visited and famous temples of Andhra Pradesh and India, [[Kanaka Durga Temple]] of [[Devi|Hindu Goddess]] [[Durga]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kanakadurgamma.org/History|title=History|website=www.kanakadurgamma.org|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515152141/http://kanakadurgamma.org/History|url-status=dead}}</ref> It also serves as the ritual host of [[Pushkaram]] (a river worshipping ritual in India) of [[Krishna River|River Krishna]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Krishna Pushkaralu|date=13 April 2019|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Krishna_Pushkaralu&oldid=892275341|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> There is a [[legend]] which says that [[Arjuna]], one of the [[List of characters in the Mahabharata|heroes]] of the [[Indian epic poetry|Indian epic]] [[Mahabharata]], prayed on top of the Indrakeeladri Hill in the city and won the blessings of [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]] to get the [[Pashupatastra]] to win the [[Kurukshetra War]].<ref name="vijayawadapolice.ap.gov.in"/> It was called Vijayavatika (meaning Land of Victory in [[Telugu language|Telugu]]) when [[Durga|Goddess Durga]] killed the demon [[Mahishasura]] and rested on the Indrakeeladri Hill by the River Krishna establishing the [[victory]] over [[Mahishasura|evil]] hence the place got its name Vijayavatika, "Vijaya"- meaning victory and "Vatika" meaning Place or land in [[Telugu language|Telugu]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-old-name-of-Vijayawada|title=About Vijayawada – VijayawadaPolice|language=en-US|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> Over the years Vijayavatika name changed to Rajendra Chola Pura during [[Telugu Chodas|Chola Dynasty]] and Bezawada during [[British Raj|British rule]] and eventually to Vijayawada.<ref name="ABOUT VIJAYAWADA">{{Cite web|title=ABOUT VIJAYAWADA|url=http://www.vikasinstitutionsnunna.org/vctn/about-us/aboutvja.html|access-date=25 April 2020|website=www.vikasinstitutionsnunna.org|archive-date=1 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501195132/http://www.vikasinstitutionsnunna.org/vctn/about-us/aboutvja.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The city is also the third most densely populated urban built-up areas in the world.<ref name="density">{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/190816/vijayawada-is-third-densely-packed-city-31200-people-in-every-square-km.html|title=Vijayawada is third densely packed city;with 31,200 people living in every square km|date=19 August 2016|access-date=25 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308043848/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/190816/vijayawada-is-third-densely-packed-city-31200-people-in-every-square-km.html|archive-date=8 March 2021}}</ref> and is classified as a ''Y-grade'' city by the [[Sixth Central Pay Commission]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02ser/11016_2_2008-AIS-II.pdf|title=Sixth Central Pay Commission Classification of Cities|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|access-date=26 March 2014|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213064359/http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02ser/11016_2_2008-AIS-II.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The city is the [[List of cities in Andhra Pradesh by population|second most populous]] in the state with a population of more than one million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vijayawada: Traffic regulation need of the hour |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/240218/vijayawada-traffic-regulation-need-of-the-hour.html |access-date=1 June 2019 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=24 February 2018 |language=en|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308061328/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/240218/vijayawada-traffic-regulation-need-of-the-hour.html |archive-date=8 March 2021 }}</ref> It was recognised as a "Global City of the Future" by ''[[McKinsey Quarterly]]'', which expected an increase to GDP of $17 billion by 2025.<ref name="mckinseyquarterly">{{cite news|last1=Raghavendra|first1=V.|title=A fillip for "McKinsey's global city"|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/a-fillip-for-mckinseys-global-city/article6322985.ece|access-date=13 June 2017|work=The Hindu|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225141438/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/a-fillip-for-mckinseys-global-city/article6322985.ece|archive-date=25 February 2021}}</ref><ref name="CDIA city economy">{{cite web |title=Economy of the City |url=http://cdia.asia/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PO_India_Vijayawada_new.pdf|publisher=City Development Initiative For Asia |access-date=31 July 2014 }}</ref> In October 2018, it was awarded with [[ISO 37120]] platinum level certification and has been added to the "Global Cities Registry".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/city-gets-iso-37120-certification-enters-global-cities-registry/article25130438.ece|title=City gets ISO 37120 certification, enters Global Cities Registry|last=Boda|first=Tharun|date=5 October 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=7 October 2018|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308133413/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/city-gets-iso-37120-certification-enters-global-cities-registry/article25130438.ece|archive-date=8 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dataforcities.org/global-cities-registry/|title=Global Cities Registry™|website=World Council on City Data|language=en-US|access-date=7 October 2018|archive-date=7 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007040421/http://www.dataforcities.org/global-cities-registry/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Due to the presence of several well-known educational institutions, the city has emerged as a major educational hub in recent times, with many of nationwide students studying in the city. It is expected to be the India's tenth fastest growing city economy in the world by 2035 by a report published by Oxford Economics.<ref name=nickname>{{cite web |url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/12/all-of-the-world-s-top-10-cities-with-the-fastest-growing-economies-will-be-in-india|title=All of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the world are in India|access-date=19 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802011419/http://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/12/all-of-the-world-s-top-10-cities-with-the-fastest-growing-economies-will-be-in-india|archive-date=2 August 2018|url-status=live  }}</ref> Due to its high ratings in entertainment, construction, food as well as education, health care, transport,<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijayawada, a growth engine for Andhra Pradesh economy – Deccan Chronicle|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/business/economy/280516/vijayawada-a-growth-engine-for-andhra-pradesh-economy.html|website=Deccan Chronicle|date=28 May 2016|access-date=14 August 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307224640/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/business/economy/280516/vijayawada-a-growth-engine-for-andhra-pradesh-economy.html|archive-date=7 March 2021}}</ref> It is ranked as India's ninth most liveable city as per Ease of Living Index 2018, [[Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]]<ref>{{cite web|title=India – Ease of Living Index|url=https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/publication/documents/2018-08/ease-of-living-national-report.pdf|website=IPSOS|access-date=24 August 2018|language=en}}</ref> and the second most liveable city in the state of [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tirupati and Vijayawada among top 10 most liveable cities in India|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tirupati-and-vijayawada-among-top-10-most-liveable-cities-india-86517|website=The News Minute|date=14 August 2018|access-date=14 August 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308215433/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/tirupati-and-vijayawada-among-top-10-most-liveable-cities-india-86517|archive-date=8 March 2021}}</ref>

The [[Vijayawada Junction railway station]] is one of the busiest in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Top 10 Railway Junctions in India|url=https://www.travelkhana.com/rail-info/top-10-railway-junctions-india/|last=admin|date=29 January 2019|website=Indian Rail Info by TravelKhana|language=en-US|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> It stands as the tenth [[List of railway junction stations in India|busiest railway junctions]] in the country.

In some legends, Vijayawada was referred to as ''Rajendracholapura'' as [[Virarajendra Chola]] won a battle against [[Chalukya–Chola wars|Chalukyas in]] 1068 and ruled over this place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blessingsonthenet.com/travel-india/destination/article/id/583/tour/id/103/history-of--vijayawada|title=History Of Vijayawada|website=blessingsonthenet.com|access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref> A tale behind its acquiring the name Bezawada is that Goddess Krishnaveni ([[Krishna River|River Krishna]]) requested Arjuna to make a passage for her to merge into the [[Bay of Bengal]]. Hence, Arjuna made a ''bejjam'' (hole) through the mountains and the place came to be known as ''Bejjamwada'' which later changed to ''Bezawada''.<ref name=bezwada>{{cite book|last1=Ayyar|first1=P. V. Jagadisa|title=South Indian Shrines|date=1993|publisher=Asian Educational Services|location=New Delhi [u.a.]|isbn=978-81-206-0151-2|edition=Rev. and enl.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&pg=PA568|access-date=4 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tunnel road lives up to name Bezawada|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151111/nation-current-affairs/article/tunnel-road-lives-name-bezawada|access-date=10 June 2017|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=11 November 2015|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307213612/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151111/nation-current-affairs/article/tunnel-road-lives-name-bezawada|archive-date=7 March 2021}}</ref> Other names of Vijayawada were being Vijayavata,<ref name=bezwada/> Beejapuram, Kanakaprabha, Kanakapuram, Kanakawada, Jayapuri, Vijayapuri, Phalguna Kshetram and Jananathpura in the twelfth century CE.<ref name="Sajnani">{{cite book |last1=Sajnani |first1=Manohar |title=Encyclopaedia of tourism resources in India - Volume 2 |date=2001 |publisher=Kalpaz Publications |location=New Delhi |isbn=9788178350189 |page=61 |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Encyclopaedia_of_Tourism_Resources_in_In/nxtnsT8CdZ4C?hl=en&gbpv=1 |access-date=22 May 2022}}</ref>

Vijayawada has a [[tropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Aw'').<ref name="climate">{{cite web|title=Vijayawada City Disaster Management Plan – 2015|url=http://disastermanagement.ap.gov.in/Pdf/CDMP%20-%20Vijayawada.pdf|website=Disaster Management|access-date=9 June 2017|page=6}}</ref> The annual mean temperatures range between {{Convert|23.4|–|34|C|F|0|abbr=on}}; with maximum temperatures often crossing {{convert|40|C|F}} in the month of May and the minimum in December and January.<ref name= IMD>{{cite web

The city is the second most populous in the state and the third most densely populated urban built-up areas in the world, with approximately 31,200 people per square km.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/190816/vijayawada-is-third-densely-packed-city-31200-people-in-every-square-km.html|title=Vijayawada is third densely packed city; 31,200 people in every square km|last=reddy|first=u sudhakar|date=19 August 2016|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en|access-date=29 May 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308043848/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/190816/vijayawada-is-third-densely-packed-city-31200-people-in-every-square-km.html|archive-date=8 March 2021}}</ref> {{As of|2011}} [[2011 Census of India|Census of India]], it had a population of 1,021,806, of which males are 524,918 and females are 523,322 — for a [[Human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 997 females per 1000 males — higher than the national average of 940 per 1000.<ref name="population">{{cite web |title=Hand Book of Statistics 2015 Krishna District |url=https://desap.cgg.gov.in/jsp/website/gallery/Krishna2014-15.pdf |website=Department of Economics and Statistics, Andhra Pradesh |access-date=1 June 2019 |location=[[Machilipatnam]] |page=6 |date=2014–15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sex Ratio |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/indiaatglance.html |publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=2 September 2014 }}</ref> 92,848 children were in the age group of 0–6 years, of which 47,582 were boys and 45,266 were girls: a ratio of 951 per 1000. The average literacy rate stood at 82.59% (male 86.25%; female 78.94%) with 789,038 literates, significantly higher than the national average of 73.00%.<ref name=population /><ref>{{cite web|title=Chapter–3 (Literates and Literacy rate) |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-3.pdf|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India|access-date=2 September 2014}}</ref>

|title=Religion in Vijayawada (2011)

|titlebar=#fcd666

|float=right

{{bar percent|Hinduism|orange|85.16}}

{{bar percent|Islam|green|9.12}}

{{bar percent|Christianity|red|3.64}}

{{bar percent|Others (incl.unclassified and<br /> religion not stated)|grey|1.59}}

The predominant language spoken by the city residents is [[Telugu language|Telugu]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada News : Championing the cause of Telugu language|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/16/stories/2005121605130200.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=14 June 2017}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In the 2011 census, the total number of language speakers in the city (including the [[Out growth|outgrowths]]) were {{formatnum:1143232}}. Telugu is spoken by {{formatnum:1022376}} speakers, followed by {{formatnum:90876}} [[Urdu]]. A significant minority speak [[Hindi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Malayalam]].<ref name="language">{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Town Level |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16_Town.html |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |access-date=13 May 2019}} ''Select "Andhra Pradesh" from the download menu. Data for "Vijayawada (M+OG)" is at row 11723 of the excel file.''</ref> In the same census, the total religious population in the city (including the outgrowths) was {{formatnum:1143232}}. It constituted {{formatnum:973612}} [[Hindus]] (85.16%), {{formatnum:104206}} [[Muslims]] (9.12%), {{formatnum:41557}} [[Christians]] (3.64%), {{formatnum:5722}} [[Jainism|Jains]] (0.50%) and {{formatnum:18135}} (1.59%) did not state any religion.<ref name="religion">{{cite web |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |access-date=13 May 2019}} ''Select "Andhra Pradesh" from the download menu. Data for "Vijayawada (M+OG)" is at row 2395 of the excel file.''</ref>

It was constituted on 1 April 1888 and was upgraded to selection grade municipality in 1960, and, to the corporation in 1981. The jurisdictional area of the corporation is spread over an area of {{convert|230|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} with 64 wards.<ref name="metro">{{cite news|title=Govt Declares Vijayawada A Metropolitan City|url=http://www.primepost.in/govt-declares-vijayawada-metropolitan-city/|access-date=29 May 2017|work=Primepost.in|date=25 March 2017|archive-date=4 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504214855/http://www.primepost.in/govt-declares-vijayawada-metropolitan-city/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ulb">{{cite web |title=Statistical Information of ULBs and UDAs |url=http://www.dtcp.ap.gov.in/dtcpweb/ulbs/List%20of%20ULBs-27-2-2019.pdf |website=Directorate of Town and Country Planning |publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh |access-date=20 May 2019 |page=2 |date=27 February 2019}}</ref> The present Municipal Commissioner of the city is Sri V. Prasanna Venkatesh, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Commissioner's Profile|url=http://www.ourvmc.org/#/commissionerDetails|website=Vijayawada Municipal Corporation|access-date=28 May 2020}}</ref> and the present [[Mayor]] is Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi.<ref>{{Cite news|date=18 March 2021|title=Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi elected as 12th Mayor of Vijayawada|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/rayana-bhagya-lakshmi-elected-as-12th-mayor-of-vijayawada/article34101886.ece|url-status=live|access-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324171547/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/rayana-bhagya-lakshmi-elected-as-12th-mayor-of-vijayawada/article34101886.ece|archive-date=24 March 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Workshop on fertilizers today|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/workshop-on-fertilizers-today/article8208611.ece|access-date=14 February 2016|work=The Hindu|date=8 February 2016|location=Vijayawada|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221085801/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/workshop-on-fertilizers-today/article8208611.ece|archive-date=21 December 2016}}</ref> Vijayawada is the headquarters of [[Amaravati Metropolitan Region Development Authority|Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/ap-capital-region-development-authority-comes-into-being/article6739396.ece|title=AP Capital Region Development Authority comes into being|author=Special Correspondent|work=The Hindu|date=31 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224195837/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/ap-capital-region-development-authority-comes-into-being/article6739396.ece|archive-date=24 February 2021}}</ref>

Vijayawada was paired as a sister city of [[Modesto, California]] in 1993.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://asiamattersforamerica.org/india/data|title=Data Visualizations – India – Asia Matters for America|website=Data Visualizations – India – Asia Matters for America|language=en-US|access-date=13 November 2018}}</ref> The city has old and new town areas. The [[One Town, Vijayawada|One Town]] area of the city is known as old city area, comprising areas such as Islampet, Jendachettu Centre, Kamsalipet, Rajarajeswaripet, Kothapet, Ajithsinghnagar, and Winchipet.<ref name="areas">{{cite news|title=Residents of One Town in Vijayawada Worst-hit|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2014/jun/09/Residents-of-One-Town-in-Vijayawada-Worst-hit-622786.html|access-date=31 May 2017|work=The New Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226232541/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2014/jun/09/Residents-of-One-Town-in-Vijayawada-Worst-hit-622786.html|archive-date=26 February 2021}}</ref> The new city areas include areas such as Autonagar, Benz circle, Chuttugunta, Labbipet, Machavaram Down, [[Mogalrajapuram]], NTR circle, Tikkle Road, Governorpeta, Pinnamaneni Polyclinic Road and Suryaraopet.<ref name="areas" /><ref name=ramavarappadu>{{cite news|title=A road which has an ever-changing story|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/a-road-which-has-an-everchanging-story/article8024533.ece|access-date=28 February 2016|work=The Hindu|date=24 December 2015|location=Vijayawada|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224144809/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/a-road-which-has-an-everchanging-story/article8024533.ece|archive-date=24 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Move over Andhra 'bhojanam', Vijayawada takes to Hyderabadi biryani|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijaywada/Move-over-Andhra-bhojanam-Vijayawada-takes-to-Hyderabadi-biryani/articleshow/50910433.cms|access-date=28 February 2016|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=9 February 2016|location=Vijayawada|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308051040/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijaywada/Move-over-Andhra-bhojanam-Vijayawada-takes-to-Hyderabadi-biryani/articleshow/50910433.cms|archive-date=8 March 2021}}</ref>

The primary modes of intra-city public transport are city buses and [[auto rickshaw]]s.<ref name="transport">{{cite web|title=Traffic and Transportation|url=https://www.ourvmc.org/jnnurm/ch46.pdf|website=Vijayawada Municipal Corporation|access-date=18 April 2017|page=43|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220071026/https://www.ourvmc.org/jnnurm/ch46.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Apart from these, other means of transport are [[motorcycle]]s, [[cycle rickshaw]]s, and [[bicycle]]s.<ref name="transport" />{{rp|37,44}} The [[Pandit Nehru bus station|Pandit Nehru Bus Station]] and the [[Vijayawada Junction railway station]] are the major transport infrastructure for road and rail transport.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Correspondent|first1=Special|title=Rush at PNBS, railway station peaks|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/Rush-at-PNBS-railway-station-peaks/article13997304.ece|access-date=8 May 2017|work=The Hindu|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225072603/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/Rush-at-PNBS-railway-station-peaks/article13997304.ece|archive-date=25 February 2021}}</ref> The Pandit Nehru bus station is the administrative headquarters of [[Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation|APSRTC]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Vijayawada bus station to be RTC headquarters|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2015-08-20/Vijayawada-bus-station-to-be-RTC-headquarters/171260|access-date=8 May 2017|work=The Hans India|date=20 August 2015|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224200618/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2015-08-20/Vijayawada-bus-station-to-be-RTC-headquarters/171260|archive-date=24 February 2021}}</ref> which is ranked as the fourth largest and busiest bus terminals in the country.<ref>{{cite news |title=Festival rush chokes city bus and railway stations |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/festival-rush-chokes-city-bus-and-railway-stations/article6777299.ece |access-date=12 May 2017 |work=The Hindu |date=11 January 2015 |language=en-IN|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930145515/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/festival-rush-chokes-city-bus-and-railway-stations/article6777299.ece |archive-date=30 September 2020 }}</ref> The City Division of APSRTC operates close to 450 buses for an average of 300,000 daily commuting passengers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijayawada City Bus System|url=https://www.ourvmc.org/jnnurm/chapter7.pdf|website=Vijayawada Municipal Corporatiom|access-date=12 May 2017|page=1|archive-date=15 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915022942/https://www.ourvmc.org/jnnurm/chapter7.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Autonagar bus terminus and city bus port is used for city bus services.<ref>{{cite news |last1=ilyas |first1=md |title=Bandar road to be widened to 100 feet width |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/131018/bandar-road-to-be-widened-to-100-feet-width.html |access-date=26 April 2019 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=13 October 2018 |language=en|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308002737/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/131018/bandar-road-to-be-widened-to-100-feet-width.html |archive-date=8 March 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Four metro bus services launched between Vijayawada and Amaravati |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2018/jul/19/four-metro-bus-services-launched-between-vijyawada-and-amaravati-1845416.html |access-date=26 April 2019 |work=The New Indian Express |date=5 March 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226223736/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2018/jul/19/four-metro-bus-services-launched-between-vijyawada-and-amaravati-1845416.html |archive-date=26 February 2021 }}</ref> The city buses ply in major routes of [[Besant Road]], [[Eluru Road, Vijayawada|Eluru Road]], [[Mahatma Gandhi Road, Vijayawada|MG Road]] and to the city outskirts of [[Ibrahimpatnam, Krishna district|Ibrahimpatnam]], [[Kondapalli]] and [[Nunna]].<ref>{{cite news |title=RTC to identify new routes to ply buses |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2019/mar/05/rtc-to-identify-new-routes-to-ply-buses-1946905.html |access-date=26 April 2019 |work=The New Indian Express |date=5 March 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228085648/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2019/mar/05/rtc-to-identify-new-routes-to-ply-buses-1946905.html |archive-date=28 February 2021 }}</ref> In 2016, APSRTS has discontinued city services on the [[Vijayawada Bus Rapid Transit System|BRTS corridor]] due to poor response from the commuters.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lanka|first=Venu|date=10 November 2019|title=Once a corridor for buses, now just a long clothesline!|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/once-a-corridor-for-buses-now-just-a-long-clothesline/articleshow/71988345.cms|url-status=live|access-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310092248/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/once-a-corridor-for-buses-now-just-a-long-clothesline/articleshow/71988345.cms|archive-date=10 March 2021}}</ref> It was built at a reported cost of {{INRConvert|150|c}}, exclusively to be used by city buses has been.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijayawada BRT System|url=https://www.ourvmc.org/jnnurm/chapter10.pdf|access-date=4 May 2017|website=Vijayawada Municipal Corporation|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220204/https://www.ourvmc.org/jnnurm/chapter10.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The two major [[National highways of India|National Highways]], [[National Highway 16 (India)|NH-16 (Kolkata–Bhubaneshwar-Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada-Nellore-Chennai)]] and [[National Highway 65 (India)|NH-65 (Pune-Hyderabad-Suryapet-Vijayawada-Machilipatnam)]], provides road connectivity with other states and major cities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Road safety vehicles to focus on infrastructure too|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/road-safety-vehicles-to-focus-on-infrastructure-too/article17791036.ece|access-date=12 May 2017|work=The Hindu|date=4 April 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225064111/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/road-safety-vehicles-to-focus-on-infrastructure-too/article17791036.ece|archive-date=25 February 2021}}</ref><ref name="nh">{{cite web|title=List of National Highways passing through A.P. State|url=http://aproads.cgg.gov.in/getInfo.do?dt=1&oId=33|website=Roads and Buildings Department|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=11 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328053359/http://aproads.cgg.gov.in/getInfo.do?dt=1&oId=33|archive-date=28 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[National Highway 30 (India)|National Highway 30]] from [[Jagdalpur]] of [[Chhattisgarh]] terminates near the city suburb of [[Ibrahimpatnam, Krishna district|Ibrahimpatnam]].<ref name="nh" /> The [[Inner Ring Road, Vijayawada|Inner Ring Road]] connects NH-16 and NH-65 to serve the main purpose of easing traffic congestion.<ref>{{cite news|title=IRR flyover to be completed by Jan. end|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/irr-flyover-to-be-completed-by-jan-end/article7973124.ece|access-date=22 June 2016|work=The Hindu|date=11 December 2015|language=en-IN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225120248/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/irr-flyover-to-be-completed-by-jan-end/article7973124.ece|archive-date=25 February 2021}}</ref>

A proposed circular train connectivity would connect Vijayawada with neighbouring cities of [[Eluru]], [[Guntur]], [[Tenali]], [[Mangalagiri]] and the state capital, [[Amaravati]].<ref>{{cite news|title=High-speed rail for new capital|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151230/nation-current-affairs/article/high-speed-rail-new-capital|access-date=29 May 2017|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=30 December 2015|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224163124/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151230/nation-current-affairs/article/high-speed-rail-new-capital|archive-date=24 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Circular trains to connect capital towns with Amaravati – Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/Circular-trains-to-connect-capital-towns-with-Amaravati/articleshow/55490840.cms|access-date=29 May 2017|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308100906/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/Circular-trains-to-connect-capital-towns-with-Amaravati/articleshow/55490840.cms|archive-date=8 March 2021}}</ref> The [[Vijayawada Metro]] is a planned [[rapid transit]] system that would be constructed in two corridors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Metro rail to connect airport, Amaravati|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2017-01-13/Metro-rail-to-connect-airport-Amaravati/273496|access-date=27 May 2017|work=The Hans India|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301150712/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2017-01-13/Metro-rail-to-connect-airport-Amaravati/273496|archive-date=1 March 2021}}</ref> In September 2017, [[Hyperloop Transportation Technologies]] signed an agreement with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to build a [[Hyperloop]] between the cities of Amaravati and Vijayawada. The two-phase project would begin with a six-month feasibility study which would be followed by actual construction.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/09/06/htt-signs-agreement-to-develop-a-hyperloop-in-india/ |title=HTT signs agreement to develop a Hyperloop in India |work=TechCrunch |last=Etherington |first=Darrell |date=6 September 2017 |access-date=7 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/andhra-pradesh-government-plans-to-connect-amaravati-and-vijayawada-with-hyperloop/story-TrWLTHtYoaMggiO152Uq0N.html |title=Andhra Pradesh govt plans to connect Amaravati and Vijayawada with Hyperloop |work=Hindustan Times |location=India |date=7 September 2017 |access-date=29 September 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302181405/https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/andhra-pradesh-government-plans-to-connect-amaravati-and-vijayawada-with-hyperloop/story-TrWLTHtYoaMggiO152Uq0N.html |archive-date=2 March 2021 }}</ref><ref name="et170906">{{cite news|title=Amaravati to Vijayawada in 5 minutes! This is what hyperloop can do for you|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/htt-to-build-indias-first-hyperloop-connecting-amaravati-vijayawada/articleshow/60395268.cms|access-date=9 October 2017|work=The Economic Times |location=India |date=6 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226144909/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/htt-to-build-indias-first-hyperloop-connecting-amaravati-vijayawada/articleshow/60395268.cms|archive-date=26 February 2021}}</ref> The feasibility study was delayed apparently, at least until February 2018, when the company delivered a "pre-feasibility study".<ref name="trib1802">{{cite news |last1=Dharur |first1=Suresh |title=Hyperloop facility between Vijaywada, Amaravati on cards |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/hyperloop-facility-between-vijaywada-amaravati-on-cards/549831.html |access-date=5 March 2019 |work=The Tribune |date=25 February 2018}}</ref>

The [[Vijayawada Airport]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Airports Authority of India {{!}} Vijayawada |url=https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/vijayawada}}</ref> at [[Gannavaram]] provides air connectivity to major metropolitan cities of the country.<ref name="airport">{{cite news|title=International status to boost air traffic from Vijayawada airport|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2017/may/05/international-status-to-boost-air-traffic-from-vijayawada-airport-1601247.html|access-date=8 May 2017|work=The New Indian Express|date=5 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305105528/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2017/may/05/international-status-to-boost-air-traffic-from-vijayawada-airport-1601247.html|archive-date=5 March 2021}}</ref> On 3 May 2017, the airport was upgraded from [[domestic airport|domestic]] to [[international airport|international]]. International flights started from 4 December 2018 by [[IndiGo|Indigo Airlines]] to [[Singapore]]. The international flights to Singapore stopped after 27 June 2019 because the State Government stopped [[Public–private partnership|Viability Gap Funding]] in June 2019.<ref name="airport" /> {{As of|2019|6}}, it registered a domestic passenger movement growth rate of 70.0% with a total of 11 Lakh 92 Thousand Passengers in FY 19.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boda |first1=Tharun |title=Vijayawada airport sees 73% international passenger load factor in first month |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/vijayawada-airport-sees-73-international-passenger-load-factor-in-first-month/article26094009.ece |access-date=25 June 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=26 January 2019 |language=en-IN|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308124831/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/vijayawada-airport-sees-73-international-passenger-load-factor-in-first-month/article26094009.ece |archive-date=8 March 2021 }}</ref> Aircraft movement recorded a growth of 65.0%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Domestic Aircraft Movements|url=http://www.aai.aero/traffic_news/Mar2k17annex2.pdf|website=Airports Authority of India|access-date=24 May 2017|page=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428050942/http://www.aai.aero/traffic_news/Mar2k17annex2.pdf|archive-date=28 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Sarvotthama Grandhalaya is a city library established on 30 March 1987. It serves an average daily readership of 200, equipped with 22,000 books related to many fields.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Varma|first1=P. Sujatha|title=100-year-old library association to split|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/100yearold-library-association-to-split/article6075815.ece|access-date=13 June 2017|work=The Hindu|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228025221/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/100yearold-library-association-to-split/article6075815.ece|archive-date=28 February 2021}}</ref> VMC & VBFS Research and Reference Library is a reader's room/library maintained by Vijayawada Book Festival Society.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2015-11-05/Books-symbolise-peace-and-knowledge-opines-JC/184841|title=Books symbolise peace and knowledge, opines JC|website=The Hans India|language=en|access-date=21 March 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406121255/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2015-11-05/Books-symbolise-peace-and-knowledge-opines-JC/184841|archive-date=6 April 2021}}</ref>

*[[Kanuri Lakshmana Rao]] – Three time [[Member of parliament (India)|MP]] from Vijayawada and Chief Engineer of [[Nagarjuna Sagar Dam]]

*[[Pingali Venkayya]] – creator of [[Flag of India|National Flag]]

*[[Padmasree Warrior]] - Former CTO of [[Motorola]], [[Cisco Systems|Cisco]]

* [https://www.ourvmc.org/ Vijayawada Municipal Corporation website]

* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Vijayawada}}