Centre clears GVMC’s Rs 1,501 crore UCF proposals

Visakhapatnam: The National Apex Committee of the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs has given in-principle approval to three Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) proposals submitted by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) at a meeting held in New Delhi on May 11.The three projects have a total estimated cost of ₹1,501 crore. Under the UCF scheme, the Centre will provide grant support of ₹375.3 crore, accounting for 25% of the project cost. The remaining funds will be mobilised through loans from banks such as Canara Bank and Indian Overseas Bank, multilateral agencies and GVMC contributions.The approved projects include an underground sewerage system in Madhurawada, a 24x7 piped water supply system in the same area, and automation of the city’s bulk and semi-bulk water supply network.The Urban Challenge Fund is a flagship scheme of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, under which eligible urban local bodies receive grants covering 25% of the project cost for priority infrastructure works, with the balance raised through external funding and local contributions.The proposals were cleared earlier by the State-level high-power committee chaired by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, with support from municipal administration minister P Narayana and principal secretary S Suresh Kumar. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg presented the proposals before the National Apex Committee along with Suresh Kumar.The projects aim to enhance civic infrastructure in the rapidly growing Madhurawada, East and Bheemili zones by improving water supply, sanitation and utility management.Ketan Garg said the approval reflects the city’s focus on planned urban development and prudent financial management. “The projects will ensure 24x7 water supply, an underground sewerage system and automation of bulk water supply. We thank the Ministry and look forward to implementing them,” he said..Infographics:3 City projects Get NodTotal value of 3-project portfolio is Rs 1,501.03 croreMadhurawada drainage system project has an estimated cost of Rs 658 cr.Under UCF scheme, UGD project to recieve grant support of Rs 164 cr24x7 Smart water supply project in Madhurawada & adjoining areas is estimated at Rs 725.18 crUCF grant for 24x7 smart water supply project tol be Rs 181.3 crAutomation of bulk and semi-bulk water supply system project is estimated at Rs 117 cr, with UCF support of Rs 29 cr