Vizag Semi-Ring Road DPR to be submitted by May-end: Narayana
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed 102-km Semi-Ring Road in Visakhapatnam will be submitted by the close of this month, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana said on Saturday.
Addressing mediapersons here on Saturday, the minister said the ambitious corridor has been conceived with a 50-year development horizon and is expected to significantly improve urban connectivity while driving economic growth across the region.
The project will be implemented through a land pooling model similar to Hyderabad’s, with the twin objectives of appreciating land value and ensuring that farmers are direct beneficiaries, Mr. Narayana said.
He said the Semi-Ring Road is a key component of a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul being undertaken by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA), which also seeks to address gaps in the 2021 Master Plan and prepare the city for future expansion.
On the ongoing Master Plan revision, Mr. Narayana said the VMRDA’s jurisdiction spans 6,836 sq km. The revision process currently covers 4,380.67 sq km, while the draft plan for the remaining 2,457.48 sq km is expected to be completed by October, following consultations with MLAs and public representatives.
The revision exercise received 3,720 objections from the public, of which 717 unique issues were identified for examination. The changes include 19 per cent realignment of plans, 14 per cent road widening, 11 per cent addition of new roads, and six per cent removal of redundant roads, besides other modifications.
Most objections had been resolved after discussions with elected representatives and officials, the minister added. Final consultations with key stakeholders, including Ganta Srinivasa Rao, are scheduled for Sunday.
On the Metro Rail project, Mr. Narayana said surveys are likely to conclude next month, following which the proposal would be sent to the Centre for approval.
The state is also set to introduce an underground ducting system to accommodate power cables, telecom lines, and rainwater harvesting infrastructure — a measure aimed at minimising repeated road digging across the city.
A ₹4,000-crore drinking water project is being implemented to provide coverage to 95 per cent of households, the minister said.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has approved ₹9,000 crore for drainage works in high- and medium-density areas, Mr. Narayana added.
The minister further said 123 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are being developed across the city. The Pollution Control Board has sanctioned ₹300 crore for land acquisition to support sustainable urban development.