The State Government’s strong pitch for locating the capital of the new State in Vijayawada-Guntur region was received enthusiastically by the industry and other sectors which described the area as a “natural choice”.
The geographical location of the `twin cities’, as described by Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu recently, make them equidistant from all the regions in the new State, the region also had several other advantages. The two cities had adequate connectivity by all means of transport – rail, road and air.
Andhra Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Muthavarapu Muralikrishna said Vijayawada-Guntur was best suitable place for capital if its geographical location were to be considered.
The city had the best connectivity in terms of rail, road and air and port connectivity would be a reality in no time if work on Bandar port was completed. Industry could be developed easily if the government develops Vijayawada, Guntur and Tenali as tri-city foe which major chunk of land was available.
Association of Surgeons of India State president P. Ramana Murthy said Vijayawada and Guntur were the “natural choice” for the proposed new capital.
The new capital should be a full-fledged capital with all the elements of the capital like the Assembly, Secretariat, High Court and other institutions and all departments at one place.
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Vijayawada Zone Chairman V.V.M. Krishna said the CII wanted the government to locate the capital in one place rather than scatter institutions around for its “quick and smooth” functioning.
While the High Court should be with the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat High Court Benches could be planned in other places.
InfrastructureAccording to Greater Vijayawada Builders’ Association president Gadde Rajaling, the decision to locate the new capital between Vijayawada and Guntur meant kick-start development of housing, infrastructure and other sectors. Construction activity would reach its zenith but the most unfortunate news was that a number of big players who surfaced in the construction scenario like GMR and GVK would reduce the local players in and around Vijayawada to mere ‘sub-contractors’.
Efftronics managing director Dasari Ramakrishna said the high cost of land was the only drawback but it is only part of the game.
Location of capital here would pave the way for the long-overdue development in every sector.
A number of hotels, schools, colleges, hospitals and other features would dot the region increasing opportunities manifold.
(With inputs from G.V.R. Subba Rao, G.Venkataramana Rao and P. Sujatha)
