VMRDA Intensifies Landowner Engagement to Overcome Road Project Delays
Facing persistent delays in the rollout of proposed master plan roads due to significant land acquisition hurdles, the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has significantly stepped up its engagement with landowners to ease critical bottlenecks and accelerate project execution. The authority had previously announced seven master plan roads designed to strengthen regional connectivity ahead of the anticipated completion of the Bhogapuram international airport. However, progress has stalled on several crucial stretches, prompting intensified stakeholder consultations and proactive measures to ensure timely implementation.
Targeted Consultations for Key Corridors
As part of this renewed push, the VMRDA recently convened a focused meeting with farmers and property owners likely to be affected by two specific corridors: the Tallavalasa–Kothavalasa and Kapuluppada–Boyapalem routes. These discussions centered on addressing grievances, clarifying compensation mechanisms, and exploring mutually acceptable solutions to minimize hardship associated with the extensive road widening programme. The dialogue aimed to build consensus and foster cooperation among all parties involved.
High-Level Assurances and Firm Deadlines
VMRDA chairperson MV Pranav Gopal, Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, and metropolitan commissioner N Tej Bharat actively interacted with affected landowners during the session. Chairperson Gopal provided firm assurances that all concerns regarding the road stretches under development would be thoroughly addressed and resolved. He urgently appealed to property owners to voluntarily submit consent letters and extend their full cooperation to facilitate the timely completion of these vital infrastructure projects.
Metropolitan commissioner Bharat emphasized the authority's commitment to rigorous oversight, revealing that weekly progress reviews are being conducted to monitor advancements closely. He set a firm target of completing three key road projects within the Bheemili constituency by the end of May, underscoring the urgency and priority assigned to these initiatives.
Commitments to Fair Compensation and Relief
Meanwhile, MLA Srinivasa Rao offered strong reassurances that farmers and property owners would not face undue hardship throughout the acquisition process. He explicitly promised that relief and compensation would be provided in strict accordance with established government norms and regulations. Additionally, Rao stated that alternative arrangements would be actively explored wherever necessary to safeguard the interests and livelihoods of those impacted by the road expansion, ensuring a balanced approach to development.
The intensified engagement strategy reflects VMRDA's proactive stance in tackling long-standing land acquisition challenges, which have historically delayed critical infrastructure upgrades in the Visakhapatnam metropolitan region. By fostering direct dialogue and offering concrete assurances, the authority aims to build trust, streamline processes, and ultimately deliver enhanced connectivity to support the region's growth trajectory, particularly in anticipation of the new international airport's operationalization.
