World Bank, ADB review Amaravati projects

Amaravati: A joint team of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) reviewed the progress of various development projects in Amaravati on Thursday, the second day of its three-day visit under the fourth Joint Implementation Support Mission.

The delegation held detailed meetings with officials of the APCRDA, Amaravati Development Corporation Limited (ADCL) and Amaravati Green and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (AGICL) at the APCRDA headquarters in Rayapudi.

The discussions focused on improving public transport in Amaravati, including a study on the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, its implementation plan, road connectivity, street development, bus terminals and bus stops. The officials also discussed infrastructure requirements to facilitate the operation of low-floor buses.

The team reviewed plans for integrated township development and identification of areas suitable for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). AP CRDA additional commissioners Surya Sai Praveen Chand and T. Rahul Kumar Reddy, ADCL CMD D Lakshmi Parthasarathi and other senior officials participated in the meetings. The delegation also reviewed flood management systems and the progress of related infrastructure. Discussions covered the development of canals, pumping stations, green buffers and local drainage systems, besides funding and budget requirements for proposed flood protection works. Fire safety infrastructure planning and fire-risk management measures at active construction sites were also reviewed. The progress of government housing projects, green and resilient housing certification, affordable housing plans and targets for the coming years were discussed.

The meetings also focused on strategies for mobilising financial resources for Amaravati, joint development proposals under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, investment opportunities and the progress of anchor investors. The officials reviewed the Sustainable Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), business strategy implementation and targets. The World Bank and ADB representatives discussed opportunities for developing key sectors and theme cities with APCRDA officials. They also reviewed ongoing and proposed PPP projects, including the targets and expected outcomes to be achieved through PPPs with additional funding.

The officials briefed the delegation on progress, future action plans, additional funding requirements and implementation targets across various sectors. They explained that APCRDA was continuing its coordinated efforts to advance development in public transport, infrastructure, housing, flood management, environmental protection, investments and PPP projects.

After the meetings, the delegation visited the completed MLA and MLC towers, gravity canal development works, the nursery at the E3-N10 junction, E6-N9 junction, E3-N12 junction and RVR labour camps.

At the labour camp, the team inspected the facilities provided to workers and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. The representatives also offered suggestions to officials on the management of the camp.

At the nursery near the E3-N10 junction, ADCL CMD D. Lakshmi Parthasarathi joined the bank representatives in planting translocated trees.

The delegation inspected several ongoing development projects in Amaravati and expressed satisfaction with the progress being made.

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The Hans India