GVMC fast-tracks Velampeta slum redevelopment
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has fast-tracked the Velampeta Slum Development Project under the Visakha Economic Region Forum and will float a Request for Proposal (RFP) this week.
The initiative follows in-principle approval from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana to construct houses for all 177 residents of Velampeta. Accordingly, GVMC will execute the project through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Officials expect construction to begin next month and finish within 18 months.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg said the corporation selected Velampeta and Indira Nagar for pilot redevelopment. Subsequently, teams conducted a feasibility study and prepared a detailed project report. The government then approved within 45 days.
“Typically, such clearances take two to three years. However, this project secured approval in just 45 days,” Garg said.
The Velampeta redevelopment will cost an estimated ₹23.17 crore. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), each beneficiary will receive ₹1.5 lakh from the Centre and ₹1 lakh from the State. In addition, GVMC will invest ₹8.85 crore to develop infrastructure, including internal roads and drinking water supply.
Meanwhile, GVMC is evaluating transit housing options to temporarily relocate residents during construction. First, officials will present shortlisted locations to beneficiaries. If residents prefer rented accommodation instead, the contractor will bear the rental expenses. The corporation has earmarked approximately ₹18 lakh for these arrangements.
Each dwelling unit will offer a built-up area of 330 sq. ft. Moreover, residents will gain access to a shared common area of 440 sq. ft. that includes a lift and essential amenities. To refine the design, GVMC studied redevelopment models in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.
Similarly, GVMC is advancing redevelopment plans for Indira Nagar, where 110 beneficiaries will receive housing under a ₹17 crore project featuring a G+6 residential building.
According to a GVMC study, Visakhapatnam has 66 slums housing about 2,300 residents. Of these, 50 slums stand on State government land, while 16 occupy Union government land.