AP capital: 10 reasons behind the decision
Hyderabad/ Vijayawada: The AP state government has chosen Tullur and Mangalagiri mandals of Guntur district for development of the river-front capital due to road connectivity, water availability and proximity to Vijayawada city.
Here are the top reasons why these villages are selected.
1. Proximity to Vijayawada: Vijayawada is the only big city centrally located in the state social infrastructure and urban life.
2. Water Source: Water can be stored above Prakasam barrage and 40 tmc of water from Pulichintala will cater to drinking water needs
3. Road Connectivity: The Eight-lane NH-5 will become a lifeline for the future capital as it passes near the capital region. The proposed state capital region will be less than 20 km from Vijayawada and Guntur cities and there would be easy accessibility to all the coastal districts
4. Airport connectivity: NHAI project director G. Sridhar said that with the completion of Vijayawada bypass from Kaza in Guntur district to Chinautapalli in Krishna district, there would be easy accessibility to Vijayawada airport from the proposed capital.
5. Rail Connectivity: Over 300 express trains pass through Vijayawada railway station daily. As the state capital region would not be more than 20 km away, people will have better connectivity. rail connectivity to the proposed state capital.
6. No threat to Rice Bowl: Officials opine that the rice cultivating area will not be disturbed.
7. Vastu factor: As the Krishna river flows northwards, it is a good sign for the future state capital.The place itself gains in importance with prominent spiritual centres.
8. Proposed Outer Ring Roads: The area falls in the centre of the two proposed ORRs that will connect both Krishna and Guntur districts. The ORRs will connect all major cities and towns in the VGTM UDA area.
9. River Front: Mr Naidu wants to showcase a river-front view of the capital. The city is being planned on the lines of riverfront cities like London on Thames.
10. Political compulsions: The two districts are the strongholds of the Telugu Desam.