Vuda launches mega housing project

Visakhapatnam, Nov. 22: Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (Vuda) launched its mega housing project at Madhuravada on Sunday with its vice-chairman Mr V.N. Vishnu performing bhoomi puja at the site.

Later, the chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Trust, (VPT), Mr Ajeya Kallam, launched the brochure and commenced the sale of applications.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kallam said it was unfortunate that the design was being copied from the small nations like Malaysia and Singapore which got independence years after India.

“I hope 10 years from now other cities would follow the designs of Vuda,” Mr Kallam said.

Mr Vishnu said the housing scheme was proposed in 2004 but due to technical problems it was shelved temporarily.

During the last few months hectic efforts were made to initiate the project and finally materialised on Sunday. He said the houses were being built to suit the needs of middle and upper middle class families and the rates were fixed as per the AP Standard Schedule Procedure without any speculation.

“We have followed all the Government Orders and guidelines in finalising the project,” Mr Vishnu said.

The first phase containing 710 flats coming up in 20 acre at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore would be completed in 24 months. The vice-chairman said the project was located in picturesque area between the National Highway and Visakhapatnam-Bhimili Beach Road, not far from the city as being felt by some people.

After the Town Planning Trust was formed in 1962, land was acquired in MVP Colony and then people said the site was far from the city. Now the Colony became one of the biggest housing colonies in Asia and the rate was going at Rs 40,000 per square yard.

The chief executive officer of Jurong Constructions, Mr Rao Munukutla, the Vuda secretary, Mr M.S. Bhagvan, the chief accounts officer D. Vijaya Bharathi and officer on special duty, Vuda, Mr Y. Ramesh were present on the occasion.