GVMC Gets Nod For ₹1,501-Crore Infrastructure Projects

Visakhapatnam: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has secured approval for three major infrastructure projects worth ₹1,501.03 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

GVMC commissioner Ketan Garg said on Wednesday that the National Apex Committee (NAC) had cleared the proposals aimed at strengthening the city’s future urban infrastructure.

The approved projects include development of an underground drainage system in the Madhurawada zone at a cost of ₹658.61 crore, establishment of a 24x7 smart drinking water supply system in the same zone at ₹725.18 crore, and rehabilitation and modernisation of bulk and semi-bulk water supply systems at ₹117.24 crore.

According to the commissioner, the projects will significantly improve drinking water supply, sewerage management and modern civic infrastructure in Visakhapatnam.

Funding for the projects will be mobilised through a combination of national and international financial institutions. The underground drainage project will be supported through an IFC term loan, while Canara Bank will provide financial assistance for the smart water supply system. Indian Overseas Bank will extend loan support for the modernisation of bulk water supply systems.

Ketan Garg said the Urban Challenge Fund focuses on reforms in urban local bodies, market-based investments and modern infrastructure development, aligning GVMC’s plans with national urban development objectives.

He added that once implemented, the projects would provide uninterrupted drinking water supply, a modern sewerage management system and improved civic amenities, giving a new direction to Visakhapatnam’s urban growth.