Visakhapatnam Semi-ring Road DPR Nears Completion

Visakhapatnam: Minister for municipal administration and urban development P. Narayana has announced that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed 102-km semi-ring road in Visakhapatnam will be submitted by the end of May.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Narayana said the project has been designed with a 50-year vision and aims to transform the city’s urban infrastructure through a land-pooling model similar to that adopted in Hyderabad.

He said the project is expected to improve connectivity and enhance land value for farmers.

The minister stated that the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is revisiting the 2021 Master Plan after receiving 3,720 objections, including 717 unique concerns.

According to him, the revised plan includes 19 per cent realignment, 14 per cent road widening, 11 per cent new roads, 6 per cent removal of redundant roads and 15 per cent other modifications.

Narayana said final discussions with public representatives, including Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, are scheduled for Sunday.

Highlighting parallel infrastructure projects, the minister said surveys for the proposed Metro Rail project are expected to conclude next month, paving the way for Central government approval.

He also stressed the need for modern utility management through underground ducting for cables, rainwater harvesting systems and telecom lines to minimise repeated road excavations.

Narayana said a `4,000-crore drinking water project aimed at covering 95 per cent of households is being planned, while Rs. 9,000 crore has been approved for drainage works in high- and medium-density areas.

He added that 123 Sewage Treatment Plants are under development with Rs. 300 crore support from the Pollution Control Board.