VMRDA makes draft Master Plan public

Visakhapatnam: VISAKHAPATNAM Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA)-the largest development planning body in Andhra Pradesh in its draft Master Plan for 2041 has laid thrust on zonal development, creation of theme-based satellite townships and significant improvement in infrastructure to enhance quality of living.

It has planned a cluster-based development with an estimated investment of Rs1.5 lakh crore in infrastructure. Affordable housing as well as high-end housing with social infrastructure is part of the Master Plan. VMRDA has a jurisdiction over 6,764 km. Visakhapatnam is also proposed to be made the executive capital.

The draft says Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region has 7,316 manufacturing units, 23 industrial parks, 15 SEZs with total investment of Rs 71,000 crore and 2.3 lakh employment. The plan says APIIC at present has 26,615 acres out of which 38%is not allotted to anyone. The unused land can be utilised for future development. "We have put the draft Master Plan-2041 and Perspective Plan-2051 in public domain along with maps. Based on suggestions/objections received till July 15, we will incorporate the required changes," Metropolitan Commissioner P Koteswara Rao told Bizz Buzz.

He said a separate Master Plan has already been prepared for the petrochemical corridor as a special authority is in existence to look after Visakhapatnam-Kakinada Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR).