Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg on Wednesday said that the National Apex Committee (NAC) has accorded approval for three key infrastructure development projects proposed by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) under the “Urban Challenge Fund (UCF)” scheme being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India.

The Commissioner stated that these three projects, designed with an estimated cost of ₹1,501.03 crores, have been planned keeping in view the future infrastructure needs of Visakhapatnam city.

The projects proposed by GVMC include - Development of Underground Drainage (UGD) System in Madhurawada Zone – ₹658.61 crores, Development of 24/7 Smart Water Supply System in Madhurawada Zone – ₹725.18 crores; Rehabilitation and Modernisation of Bulk and Semi-Bulk Water Supply System – ₹117.24 crores.

He stated that these projects would significantly strengthen drinking water supply, sewerage management, and modern urban infrastructure development in Visakhapatnam city. The Commissioner further informed that financial assistance for implementation of these projects would be mobilised through international and national financial institutions. IFC Term Loan support would be extended for the Madhurawada UGD project, Canara Bank financial assistance for the 24/7 Smart Water System project, and Indian Overseas Bank loan support for modernization of the bulk water supply system.

He stated that through the Urban Challenge Fund, the Central Government is giving priority to reforms in Urban Local Bodies, market-based investments, and development of modern infrastructure. The GVMC is also moving forward in the same direction with comprehensive planning.

He stated that implementation of these projects would provide better civic infrastructure, uninterrupted drinking water supply, and a modern sewerage management system to citizens of Visakhapatnam, while also giving a new direction to the city’s development.