Visakhapatnam: Two lanes of the Beach Road, spread over a 4-km stretch, have been apportioned to walkers and cyclists. Innovative use of open spaces, including having Vuda park retrofitted with sports facilities in a phased manner, has been proposed near the RK Beach as part of the area wise Smart City plans. This will help reduce air pollution while also encouraging citizens to have a more physically active lifestyle.
Enhanced facilities in parks and activity on the streets and in public spaces will also make for safer neighbourhoods, especially for women, children and the elderly.
“A dedicated hawker zone has been proposed as Area Based Development (ABD) to avoid situations of haphazard commercial activity, resulting in congestion. Dedicated spots for on-street parking and multi-level car parking will keep streets clear of visual and physical clutter, making for more pedestrian-friendly spaces,” said the Smart City proposal.
Bus stops will be fitted with Information Communications Technology-enabled information systems along with charging points for electric bicycles and e-rickshaws. A cluster of bus stops, cycle parking and public toilets have been proposed under ABD as dedicated spots for such requirements and to ensure safety and hygiene.
Sunlight will be tapped through rooftop solar panels on institutional buildings and LED street lights. Resilient infrastructure will be provided, such as underground cabling for electricity, along with smart metering for services; introducing missing links in the storm water drainage and sewerage in the area; landscaping of beach areas with native plant species and a shore protection plan.
