Latest news with #VisakhapatnamMetropolitanRegionDevelopmentAuthority
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kailasagiri set to get gravity ride, 1.5 km ropeway in 60 cr revamp
Visakhapatnam: The ropeway facility at Kailasagiri hilltop park in Vzag has long been one of the key attractions for tourists visiting the city. In a move to enhance the visitor experience, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has decided to introduce a new and upgraded ropeway system spanning nearly 1.5 kilometres. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Once the new facility becomes operational, the existing 375-metre ropeway will be shut down. I n addition, the VMRDA plans to introduce a luge gravity ride, aimed at further enhancing recreational offerings at Kailasagiri. To initiate the development of both the ropeway and the luge ride, the urban development authority has floated a request for proposal, inviting private players to participate in the project. The project, which includes both the ropeway and gravity ride, is proposed under a public-private partnership model, with an indicative capital cost of Rs 60 crore for the minimum development obligations. The new ropeway is envisioned as an "integrated mobility solution", designed to modernise the transportation experience at Kailasagiri. It will employ a monocable detachable gondola system, or an equivalent technology, reflecting a preference for modern, high-capacity systems capable of efficient passenger movement. Initially, the system will feature no fewer than 20 gondolas (cabins), each with a seating capacity of 6 to 8 passengers. The minimum development obligations for the luge ride specify the development of at least two gravity tracks, each with a minimum length of 500 metres. Initial operations will require the deployment of not less than 100 luge carts. The inclusion of the luge ride is expected to diversify revenue streams and enhance visitor engagement, with scalability built in to accommodate future demand. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now VMRDA chairman MV Pranav Gopal and metropolitan commissioner KS Viswanathan said that the existing ropeway has aged, and the current ride offers only a short-duration experience. "VMRDA has now envisaged an all-new alignment that will not only offer better three-dimensional views, including the bayfront, Vizag cityscape, and the surrounding hills, but also provide a longer ride of about 1.5 km." "The new ropeway project will serve as an efficient circulation solution for visitors at the Kailasagiri hilltop, where vehicular access is restricted. It will seamlessly connect all major attractions on the hill, beginning from the car park located at the base. This integrated system is expected to significantly ease issues related to uphill vehicle movement and limited parking availability. We also expect this new system to increase footfall at the Telugu Samskruthika Niketanam, which currently sees low visitor numbers due to limited accessibility. The new ropeway will feature updated technology and enhanced safety features to offer visitors a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable experience." "The luge is a very popular all-age family attraction at Sentosa, Singapore. We aim to replicate that experience for domestic tourists, providing them with similar thrills without the need to travel overseas," added the chairman and metropolitan commissioner.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
VMRDA introduces online booking system for public properties
Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) on Wednesday launched an online booking system for its public properties, including Kalyana Mandapams and the Children's Arena. VMRDA Chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal said the initiative is part of the authority's efforts to bring greater transparency and convenience to its services. The new system was inaugurated at the Children's Arena located at Siripuram Junction. Citizens can now make reservations for various VMRDA-managed venues through the authority's official website and other authorised digital platforms.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
VMRDA approves 50-storey residential towers in Vizag
Visakhapatnam : 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.'
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
VMRDA approves plans to build residential towers at Madhurawada
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has given approvals for the construction of residential towers at Madhurawada and an affordable multi-storeyed housing project for the middle-class, in the city. Several crucial proposals were cleared during the VMRDA meeting held under the leadership of its Chairman, M.V. Pranav Gopal, on Friday. Principal Secretary, MAUD, Suresh Kumar was also present. In a statement released by VMRDA Chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal and VMRDA Commissioner K.S. Viswanathan said that approvals were given for the construction of six residential towers (50 floors each) on a 4.07-acre site at 331/1 in Madhurawada under a Joint Venture/PPP model. The towers will include 3BHK and 4BHK flats, 4BHK duplexes, along with a clubhouse, swimming pool, pool deck, children's play area, cycling track, jogging track, and other modern amenities. Meanwhile, the officials have also given permission for the construction of multi-storey apartment complexes —2BHK, 2.5BHK, and 3BHK in Midhilapuri Colony (Madhurawada), Marikavalasa, Veeragunta, and other VMRDA lands. These will be developed in the PPP model to provide affordable housing to the middle-class families. The authorities have approved the construction of the State's first international-standard 'Skateboard Park' near the skating rink at VMRDA Park on Beach Road, with an estimated cost of ₹2.50 crore. The park is anticipated to host the 63rd National Roller Skating Championships. Approvals were also given to construct a park in 5.68 acres of land at 608/1P in Kotturu village in Anakapalli district, with a proposed cost of ₹5.35 crore. Meanwhile, administrative clearance was also given for VMRDA-GVMC road development project between Vepagunta and Pinagadi.
Hans India
21-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Cognizant to build IT campus in Vizag, generate 8,000 jobs
Visakhapatnam: In a significant development for Andhra Pradesh's IT ecosystem, Cognizant Technology Solutions is all set to establish a world-class IT/ITES campus in Visakhapatnam with an investment of Rs.1,582.98 crore. Providing the much-needed relief to unemployed youth, the project is expected to generate 8,000 jobs over the next few years. In connection with it, Cognizant sought 21.31 acres of land at Kapuluppada and the state government would allot the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority land for a nominal rate of just 99 paisa. In a move which is considered another major endeavour for Visakhapatnam as an emerging hub for IT investments, setting up IT/ITES campus is in alignment with IT minister Nara Lokesh's vision to draw investments and develop IT across Andhra Pradesh. The company has set a target of March 2029 for the commencement of its commercial operations. With the entire project being 100 per cent self-funded, Cognizant's expansion into Visakhapatnam reinforces its long-term commitment to Andhra Pradesh that further cements the state's reputation as a future IT hub. Welcoming the move, government whip P G V R Naidu (Ganababu) expressed gratitude to IT minister Nara Lokesh for bringing multinational companies to Visakhapatnam. 'The IT minister kept up his promise made to IT employees. It is a commendable initiative to create employment for 8,000 people with an investment of Rs.1,582 crore. With this, the long-cherished dream of Vizagites is going to become a reality soon,' he posted on the 'X' (formerly Twitter).
