Vijayawada: Poor budgetary allocations for various development projects in Vijayawada was criticised by the people. Zero allocation for major projects like Vijayawada Metro Rail and various flyovers is creating doubts on the completion of the projects on time.
The state government is facing criticism for not making allocations for its prestigious Vijayawada Metro Rail Project. The Metro Rail Corporation, which is heading to project works with an estimate cost of Rs 7,212 crore in which the state government should bare Rs 2,163 crore as its share and land acquisition. The state government had released '300 crore till now and the Union government has allocated Rs 100 crore, which is not sufficient for the project.
“First phase of metro rail project by the end of 2018 is a daydream. The state government which publicises about metro with graphic videos should prove its commitment with allocation of funds,”says Malladi Vishnu, former legislator. The AP government, which announced 13 smart cities including Vijayawada, had made a nominal allocation of Rs 150 crore which was facing criticism.
“Transforming Vijayawada into a smart city with Rs 12 crore is a big joke. City development will take a back step with the poor allocations. Mr Chandrababu Naidu’s promises will remain om papers,”says YSRC city president Vellampalli Srinivas. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation which is in huge financial crisis has expected the inclusion of municipal employees salaries in 010 bill. But no promise was given in the Budget. Meanwhile, contract employees in various departments who expected regularisation got disappointed.
