Better civic planning tops Vijayawada’s municipal agenda

Vijayawada: Vijayawada’s infrastructure challenge is no longer confined to its busy roads or waterlogged streets. As residential corridors expand and commercial activity grows, stakeholders say the city needs a more coordinated approach to civic development, one that plans for growth before infrastructure gaps become everyday problems.The concerns span three interconnected areas: the condition of basic civic services, the ease of doing business and the need to provide infrastructure in neighbourhoods where development is gathering pace. Stakeholders want the next municipal leadership to move beyond individual works and adopt a long-term plan for the city.C H Baburao, CPI(M) state secretariat member, flagged stormwater drainage, drinking water, public health and traffic congestion as key concerns. He also questioned the adequacy of funding for civic infrastructure and called for greater accountability and public participation in municipal decision-making.For businesses, congestion is not merely an inconvenience. Potluri Bhaskara Rao, president of AP Chambers of Commerce and Industry said inadequate parking near commercial establishments was affecting business activity. He called for better traffic management and a municipal administration that consults trade and industry representatives before introducing measures affecting them.Bhaskara Rao also sought scientific urban planning, improved connectivity, pollution control and investment in tourism and employment-generating activities, arguing that the city needs to strengthen its economic prospects alongside its physical infrastructure.The pressure is also visible in developing residential corridors. Dasari Rambabu, general secretary of CREDAI Andhra Pradesh and former president of CREDAI Vijayawada, identified Gunadala, Poranki, Kanuru, Tadigadapa, Penamaluru, Tadepalli and the Gannavaram side as areas requiring focused infrastructure upgrades.He said roads, stormwater drains, underground drainage, sewage networks and street lighting must keep pace with residential growth. He called for a long-term infrastructure plan, regular maintenance and better coordination between government departments.The demands raise a broader question for Vijayawada’s civic administration: WShether infrastructure planning can anticipate the city’s expansion rather than leave residents and businesses to address gaps after development.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the latest Vijayawada news. Download the TOI App.