GMR township sets example

Hyderabad: It is difficult to locate this residential township even though it is just seven kilometres from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad.

Yet, friends and relatives of the 130-odd families who live here are always eager to take up an invitation to visit GMR Township, the residential accommodation provided by the GMR group for its airport officers and employees.

Located in the hills near Mamidipalli village, it provides the kind of ambience that is often dreamt of by people wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Rents in this gated community are modest at just Rs 4,000 for a double bedroom flat, with common maintenance charges per flat a meagre Rs 400 per month.

The civic amenities are better than many colonies in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. Residents of the township say they can’t even think of shifting back to the city.

“My son is in the Class X and has to go to school at Attapur. Despite the distance, we have decided not to shift. Once you get into this township you will never want to leave it. The peaceful and family-like atmosphere among the residents makes it special,” said C. Jayashree, whose husband is safety manager at the airport. 

Preetha Gopal, who was returning after her workout from the gymnasium in the township said, “There is no air pollution here. No sound pollution. The roads are well-maintained and the security personnel are always alert. There is a provision store, a beauty parlour, a saloon, and sports coach. Also, we get maids for just Rs 1,000. Our children enjoy swimming in the pool. We celebrate all festivals together. This December 31, a DJ has been invited.”

However, townships outside the city also have disadvantages.

“We have to take our car or hire a cab to go to a hospital, or a movie, or even shopping. We go to the city on weekends or once a month. However, everything is available at the airport which is just 10 minutes drive from our township,” said K. Prashanthi, a resident.

GMR chief operating officer G.U.G. Sastry said the township was built with the twin objectives of providing residential accommodation to the employees near the airport, and to ensure that trained personnel are on hand for emergency situations.

“Our township has its own 300 KLD capacity sewerage treatment plant and the recycled water is used for gardening in the township. We have 16 cricket teams from the airport’s fire services, security, cargo, terminal operations. We regularly conduct health camps and other recreational activities. There is a club house with sports and games facilities, gymnasium, swimming pool and a library. In case of an emergency, we go to the Apollo Medical Centre at the airport,” he said.

Just two kilometres from the township is Chinmaya School where many of the township’s children study, and where many women from the township have found jobs as teachers.

There is also a temple and mosque nearby.

Vegetables at the Shamsahabad market cost half the price than at the city markets.