A conclave on ‘Vijayawada-development-opportunities-resources’ organised by Siti Cable underscored the need for comprehensive development of the city, here on Wednesday. On the occasion, Secondary Education Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy said that the government was seriously contemplating developing industries in the district. The land required for the industrial hub was already identified near Nandigama, and the process was on. Vijayawada-Machilipatnam four laning works would be taken up shortly. A flyover at Benz Circle would be constructed with a cost of Rs. 100 crore.
The much discussed Super Specialty Hospital would be constructed in the city only, he said.
Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal said that air, sea, road, rail and cyber connectivity was required for development of any city. The government was taking steps to develop the city on all fronts. But, in the process of development, hurdles are imminent. For instance, there were divergent views—on which road, Bandar or Highway it should come up-- on construction of the flyover at Benz Circle. The industrialists, political parties and everyone should understand the problems involved, he said. The city witnessed rapid development with the implementation of JNNURM programme in the city. The Inner Ring Road (IRR) was nearing completion. The Outer Ring Road (ORR), JNNURM-II, RAY were some of the programmes that would change the face of city, he said.
Other issues
The other speakers stressed on the need to develop cold chains, construction of flyovers and bridges to ease the traffic problems, developing canal tourism, medical tourism, construction of international stadiums, speeding up of Bandar Port works etc.
The speakers, referring to the problem of VMC’s share of 30 percent in JNNURM works, suggested that it could be met by selling the sand available in the district. It would fetch not less than Rs. 300 crore, they said.
Siti Cable MD P. Saibabu, Management consultant M.C. Das, Vijayawada (West) MLA Velampalli Srinivas, Vijayawada (Central) MLA Malldi Vishnu, former mayors T. Venkateswara Rao, M. V. Ratna Bindu, Tadi Sakuntala, Panchumarthi Anuradha, industrialists, representatives of chamber of commerce, NGOs association, Bar Association, voluntary organisations etc spoke.
