Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran handed over the master plan for Amaravathi, ‘People’s Capital of Andhra Pradesh’ to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu here on Monday, saying it would be a “very liveable city”.
Addressing the media along with the Chief Minister after submitting the master plan, Mr. Iswaran termed it a “blueprint for Andhra Pradesh State to develop the capital city”. He said it was also a “green and blue plan”, allowing the use of green spaces and other natural assets with emphasis on public transport and taking advantage of the abundant water resources.
He said the master plan envisaged generating a great deal of economic activity in the capital. According to the final plan, the capital region comprises 7,420 sq.km, a central planning area of 854 sq.km and the capital city of 217 sq.km.
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Subarna International Consultants chief executive officer Pang Yee Ean, who made a brief presentation, said the capital city, on the banks Krishna river, would have a growth corridor and world-class expressways and semi-expressways (127 km) and arterial and sub-arterial road network. It envisages connectivity of the capital with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which will be eventually upgraded to Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). The residents of the new capital will also have non-motorised transport, park trails, bike trails, waterfront promenades and lake parks. The master plan features extensive network of walkways, cycle tracks, local waterways, civic park, waterfront, cricket stadium, golf course, university, central park and canal parks. Island resorts, island theme parks and a religious tourism circuit linking important temples and heritage nodes are also part of the plan.
As regards a vibrant economy, Amaravati will be the commercial hub for the existing regional industries such as agri-business and will catalyse new ones such ITES and pharmaceuticals. The plan has a designated central business district, commercial zones in town centres as well as industrial parks.
The plan proposes infrastructure for delivering reliable supply of electricity and water while managing solid waste and sewage. It also envisages innovative approaches to turn reservoirs, storm water detention ponds and canals and locales for the benefit of the public. It also proposes affordable housing, easy access to amenities such as schools, healthcare services, markets, shopping malls and libraries.
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