Narayana Rejects Construction Costs of Projects in Amaravati Are High
Narayana maintained that projects are being implemented in the capital city in a transparent manner at costs lower than comparable central government projects
VIJAYAWADA: Minister for municipal administration and urban development Ponguru Narayana on Saturday rejected allegations that costs of projects taken up within the Amaravati capital region are high. Narayana maintained that projects are being implemented in the capital city in a transparent manner at costs lower than comparable central government projects. Inspecting the construction of a bridge across Kondaveeti Vagu and Pala Vagu in Amaravati, the minister accused YSRC leaders of spreading misinformation about the project expenditure. He asserted that official figures showed that the costs of major projects in the capital are reasonable.
Narayana said the HappyNest residential project had been awarded for ₹984 crore, with its construction cost working out to ₹3,393 per square feet. The gazetted officers’ residential complex project cost of ₹1,003 crore translating to ₹3,684 per square feet.
In comparison, he pointed out that the recently approved Central Government Residential Complex had been awarded for ₹1,234 crore, with the construction cost being ₹3,945 per square feet. This figure demonstrates that the construction costs of the HappyNest project and officers’ residential complex are lower than those of the central government project, he pointed out.
The minister said several structures being developed in Amaravati will have landmark features, designed to reflect the stature of Andhra Pradesh. Built to international standards with modern amenities and long-term utility, such projects should be assessed on quality and functionality in addition to cost, he underlined.
Referring to projects, such as the new Parliament building in Delhi and the Telangana Secretariat, Narayana observed that final costs often exceeded initial estimates. At the same time, he reiterated that the Amaravati government is following a transparent process in executing the capital works.
Reviewing the flood-management measures, the minister said the government is giving top priority to drainage infrastructure and water-flow management. He said 69 bridges are being constructed in the capital region, including 43 across streams and 26 within Land Pooling Scheme layouts. He directed officials to ensure that construction of bridges does not obstruct water flow during the monsoon and drainage systems function efficiently. “All technical standards are being followed to maintain floodwater-carrying capacity,” he underlined.
Expressing confidence over the capital’s growth prospects, Narayana said the recent union cabinet approval for central government office complexes in Amaravati would accelerate development. He reemphasised the government's commitment to developing Amaravati into a world-class capital city.
