RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a comprehensive Master Plan for the expansion of municipalities under the Rajamahendravaram Urban Development Authority (RUDA), giving a major push to planned urbanisation and infrastructure development in the Godavari region.
The Master Plan covers the Rajamahendravaram municipal corporation and Kovvur, Ramachandrapuram and Nidadavole municipalities.
Though the proposal was initiated during the previous government’s tenure, it gained momentum only after the coalition government completed detailed surveys and submitted revised reports, which have now received official approval. In the first phase, nearly 1,000 square kilometres will be covered under the Master Plan. Priority will be given to improving drinking water supply, road networks, drainage systems, and other basic amenities in villages located along the urban fringes. The aim is to ensure orderly growth and prevent unplanned urban sprawl said, RUDA Chairperson Boddu Venkataramana Choudhary. He told TNIE that as part of the Rajamahendravaram Municipal Corporation expansion, the city’s present area of 44.5 sq. km will be increased to 162 sq. km by merging 12 surrounding gram panchayats.
These include Konthamuru, Kolamuru, Gadala, Palacherla, Lalacheruvu, Diwancheruuvu, Pidimgoyyi, Hukumpeta, Satellite city, Bommuru, Katheru, and Dowleswaram.
With this, a Greater Rajamahendravaram region will come into existence.
Authorities are preparing an action plan to undertake development works worth over Rs 100 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The plan focuses on tourism development, strengthening urban infrastructure, and encouraging group housing projects as well as independent residential constructions.
RUDA’s total jurisdiction extends across nearly 3,200 sq. km. Officials stated that the approved Master Plan will serve as a long-term blueprint for sustainable urban growth, improved civic facilities, and balanced regional development in the Godavari districts.
In the case of Kovvur Municipality, nine nearby villages are proposed to be merged, expanding the municipal area to 36.63 sq. km.
Ramachandrapuram Municipality will be expanded to 43.94 sq. km by integrating 14 surrounding panchayats, while Nidadavole Municipality will grow to 47 sq. km with the inclusion of 14 peripheral villages located in its outskirts.