Minister Narayana urges VMRDA to fast-track development projects

Visakhapatnam: State municipal administration and urban development minister P Narayana has directed VMRDA officials to expedite the completion of development projects being undertaken by the urban development authority. The minister conducted a review with VMRDA officials at the secretariat, which was attended by MAUD principal secretary Suresh Kumar, director Sampath Kumar, VMRDA commissioner Tej Bharat, director of the town planning department Vidyullatha, and other senior VMRDA officials. During the review, the minister asked VMRDA to finalise its master plan as soon as possible. Officials explained that VMRDA had already issued a notification inviting public suggestions and objections on the master plan, with a deadline of March 10.The minister also called for the swift completion of the Visakhapatnam–Kakinada Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (VKPCPIR) master plan. Priority is being given to seven key roads from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram international airport, some of which have already been tendered. Minister Narayana said that these roads should be completed within the stipulated timeline. The meeting also discussed the proposed Visakhapatnam semi-ring road project, spanning from Bhogapuram to Rambilli in Anakapalli district.Officials briefed the minister on projects being implemented under the public-private partnership model. A total of six projects are being taken up under PPP, and the minister directed that these projects be studied thoroughly and tenders issued at the earliest. The discussions also covered engineering works in assembly constituencies within VMRDA's jurisdiction, projects in the Visakhapatnam Economic Region project, and the Kailasagiri master plan. Furthermore, the minister addressed land pooling arrangements for MIG layout projects being undertaken by VMRDA.