Green signal for Vijayawada-Amaravati Gateway Project

VIJAYAWADA: The much-delayed development of the largest park in the city, Rajiv Gandhi Park, is expected to gain momentum as the state government has given its approval for ‘Vijayawada-Amaravati Gateway Project’ proposed by the Amaravati Development Corporation Limited (ADCL).

Besides giving a facelift to the park, the ADCL will also take up riverfront and canal front development opposite the park, at Pavitra Sangamam in Ibrahimpatnam and other places.

CRDA Principal Secretary Ajay Jain had approved the ‘Vijayawada-Amaravati Gateway Project’ proposed by ADCL chairperson and managing director D Lakshmi Parthasarathi, earlier last week, and had directed the officials to form committees to take it forward.

“Two committees -- project implementation and monitoring -- would be formed comprising various stakeholders. The committees would issue Request For Proposals (RFPs) for the different components proposed under the project,” an official from ADCL urban planning wing, observed.  

The ADCL has prepared a Master Plan for the development of the park and other greenery projects in the city about six months ago. As per the plan, facilities such as a three-star hotel, shopping mall, gardens, office spaces and convention centre were proposed. “The committees will have members from all the departments which possess the ownership of the park’s land. Each department in collaboration with the ADCL will develop the park and its surrounding areas,” the official added.

For the record, the total project area is about 28.9 acres and is owned by multiple departments including Vijayawada Municipal Corporation:12.91 acres; APSRTC:2.93 acres; AP Transco and AP Genco: 3.91 acres; Water Resources (public works department): 5.2 acres and SCR: 4.04 acres. The officials said since the park is strategically located along the waterfront area, it has decided to develop its surroundings as well.

The CRDA has released a Request For Proposal (RFP) to engage architects to provide comprehensive architectural services for the development of residential towers in Amaravati. The architect will help the CRDA in the design and implementation of the project. The residential towers will have 1,000 units in total with a built-up area of 15 lakh sq ft. The officials said that the architect is expected to be identified by mid-July.