Vijayawada: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state, the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) is set to develop smart roads in the city. Initially, around 17 km of smart roads will be developed as part of a pilot project and a detailed drone survey was conducted to prepare a comprehensive plan for the project.
The state govt launched the ‘mission pothole-free AP’ project with a deadline of January 1, 2025 and the VMC is carrying out the road repair works on a priority basis as per the instructions of the state govt. However, with an aim to ease traffic congestion in the city and resolve illegal parking menace and other issues, the civic body has come up with the smart roads project.
Usually, it is the VMC that develops roads with its general funds and govt grants. The central dividers, street lights, side drains, and footpaths are also developed along with the road, and its maintenance is handled by the VMC.
The smart roads concept is quite different, with roads being developed and maintained by a contract agency under public-private-partnership (PPP) model. The smart roads are designed in such a way that they can generate long-term revenue for the VMC. Dedicated parking zones, vending zones for hawkers, and street furniture will be added to these smart roads. Revenue generated from smart parking, signages, hoardings, and hawker vending zones will be shared by the agency and VMC as per the terms of the agreement.
According to VMC commissioner HM Dhyana Chandra, the project will help elevate the look of city roads. “Each and every aspect, including existing potholes, road dividers, paver blocks, footpaths, and underground drainage systems, will be studied before executing the smart roads project. This project will improve the quality of city roads,” Dhyana Chandra said.
