There are a few Visakhapatnam-centric proposals in the budget presented by Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu on Thursday. Prominent among them is the submission of a proposal sent by the State Government to the Government of India in view of the extensive damage caused by cyclone Hudhud.
Though the city enjoyed pre-eminence in view of its infrastructural advantages and being home to several key industries and two major ports , it was battered by cyclone Hudhud in October last.
The budget makes a proposal to seek Rs.2,700 crore as external aid from the World Bank towards permanent restoration of damages caused by Cyclone Hudhud. The proposal would be submitted to the Government of India.
Upbeat on Metro
The Finance Minister says the government is planning to make Hudhud-affected areas cyclone-proof with the support of World Bank for putting in place underground cabling and other infrastructure works.
With the surveys on Metro rail project in an advanced stage, officials are hopeful that Vizag Metro could make good use of the Rs.300 crore provision made for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
Though the two Metro projects are to be funded by the Central Government under the A P Reorganisation Act, the allocation of the Rs.300 crore would go towards the State Government’s share and would accelerate the launching of the projects, hope officials.
An allocation of Rs.422 crore has been made towards JNNURM, HUDCO and AP Municipal Development Projects.
Towards Central and State shares for completed and ongoing JNNURM projects, the city would get around Rs.70 crore, say sources.
