VMRDA approves 50-storey residential towers in Vizag
: The 'Authority' of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has granted approval for the development of an iconic residential apartment project in Visakhapatnam.
This marks the first time in recent years that any urban development authority in Andhra Pradesh has undertaken such an initiative. VMRDA has identified a 4.07-acre land parcel near Pebble Towers in Madhurawada. While pricing is yet to be finalised, a residential complex comprising six 50-storey towers is planned on this site.
The project will offer 3 BHK, 4 BHK, and 4 BHK duplex apartments and will feature a clubhouse, jogging and cycling tracks, a swimming pool with deck, a children's play area, and other amenities on par with high-end gated communities.
The 'Authority' has also approved the development of middle-income group (MIG) housing projects in various parts of the city, including Midhilapuri (Madhurawada), Marikavalasa, and Vepagunta. These MIG apartment complexes will include 2 BHK, 2.5 BHK, and 3 BHK flats. Both the iconic towers in Madhurawada and the MIG apartments across different locations will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
According to VMRDA officials, the pricing for MIG apartments will be lower than those offered by private developers in the same areas. The foundation stone for these projects is expected to be laid in the coming months.
Currently, government housing schemes in urban areas provide one cent of land and financial assistance for home construction to the homeless poor or offer aid to those who already own land. However, there is no provision for middle- or higher-income groups (MIG/HIG).
Through the iconic towers and MIG apartment schemes, VMRDA aims to address the housing needs of these segments. The Authority recently conducted a demand survey for the MIG housing initiative.
While the state government and various urban development authorities are in the process of developing MIG layouts, these currently involve only plot sales, leaving construction to the individual buyer. Over the past two years, VMRDA has developed several such layouts under the NTR Smart Township Layout scheme across Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam districts.
The new MIG apartment scheme aims to eliminate the burden of separate plot purchase and construction, offering ready-to-move-in homes.
Over the past decade, the VMRDA has developed tens of layouts, including MIG and one-cent layouts in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Anakapalli districts. However, it has not undertaken any residential housing projects.
Speaking to TOI, VMRDA chairperson M V Pranav Gopal said that the initiative was introduced to cater to the MIG and other segments.
"This will be a win-win for both the public and VMRDA. While the public will receive quality-assured, constructed homes at subsidised prices, the project will also generate revenue for the Authority. From Madhurawada and Bheemili to Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, and other areas, we have a vast land bank.
We are planning to commence work on these projects in the next few months," he said.
A recent meeting of the 'Authority', chaired by Pranav, was attended by principal secretary (municipal administration and urban development) Suresh Kumar, VMRDA metropolitan commissioner KS Viswanathan, and other officials. As per the VMRDA act, the urban development authority will be governed under the monitoring of the 'Authority' and 'Executive Committee.'
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