Bifurcation: clustered business to change?

While, few people consider clustered commercial operations as a boon in terms of business prospects, others feel there is a need to spread the operations, including hospitals across the city.

When it comes to operation of commercial establishments, Vijayawada has a distinction.

Unlike other cities in the State, commercial establishments are clustered in a particular area and this gave an identity for the city. While, Suryaraopeta is a hub for hospitals and diagnostic centres; Gandhinagar is known for cinema theatres and Hanumanpet for footwear shops.

Bhavanipuram is dotted with iron and hardware outlets and vegetable and wholesale markets are found in One-town area.

But post-bifurcation apprehensions are rising among people whether the clustered commercial operations will continue in the city.

While, few people consider clustered commercial operations as a boon in terms of business prospects, others feel there is a need to spread the operations, including hospitals across the city.

“It is good to have a diagnostic centre close to a hospital. Patients need not travel to get tests done and collect the reports. That is the advantage with Suryaraopet,” observes M. S. Prasad, a medical shop owner.

But Indian Medical Association Seemandhra chapter president I. Rama Subba Reddy has a different opinion on this issue. With the establishment of new capital, there is a need to expand commercial operations to different areas for the convenience of people, he observes.

There are close to 45 advanced hospitals and clinics in Suryaraopeta and in tune with city’s changing contours, a few managements have set up hospitals in Kanuru, Bhavanipuram and other areas. “Once the new capital is announced, many more would be established in that particular radius. Same goes with other sectors as well,” says Mr. Reddy.

Andhra Chamber of Commerce secretary Ch. R. K. Prasad points out that clustered business activity augurs well for the industrial growth. It is wise to set up a service centre close to an automobile showroom as it makes things convenient for customers and improves business for outlet owners.

“Land availability will be key aspect for such practice. It all depends on the capital location and the scope for infrastructure development. Personally, I feel clustered business activity will continue in the coming years also,” says Mr.Prasad.