With the Andhra Pradesh government announcing its capital city, all eyes are now on the Vijayawada, Guntur, Tenali and Mangalagiri (VGTM) region. Singapore builders are thronging the area to forge tie-ups with local firms to erect pre-cast green buildings for fast-paced development. Some firms have given presentations to a select group of builders on Sunday.
“Pre-cast construction is in vogue in Singapore as the process ensures high level of quality. Our country has a road map to make 80 per cent green buildings by 2030,” said ACS Jayapaul, Head, South Asia Desk, International Markets Department, Building and Construction Authority (BCA). To supplement growth, a couple of other firms evinced interest in establishing testing labs for construction industry.
As per a ballpark estimate of market sources, the region along with several other parts of the State is expected to attract over Rs. 10,000 crore investment, and major construction firms across the globe are on preliminary rounds to chalk out their plans.
“The government is already on the job to make a comprehensive plan for construction of capital. Once the plan is out, the construction activity is likely to pick up pace. Unlike in the past, the technological advancement would make buildings within no time,” said Greater Vijayawada Builders Association founder Gadde Rajaling who took part in the meeting.
The A.P. government is understood to have commissioned a detailed study on capital city by U.S. consultant McKinsey and the firm is expected to come up with its report shortly. Local builders too are actively looking at signing MoUs with global construction players to take part in major government and private construction initiatives.
While stating that there are ample opportunities for Singapore builders, TDP Member of Parliament from Vijayawada Kesineni Nani opined that most of the residents come under middle class bracket and builders should keep the cost in mind while going in for green buildings. “There are rich people here. But the city has over 12 lakh population and a third of them live in slums. Sanitation is another major problem that needs to be focussed,” Mr. Nani said.
