Newly-appointed Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) vice chairman Vijay Kumar Yadav has reiterated his priority to put the city on world map. Recounting his priorities in an exclusive interview to The Pioneer, the 2006-batch IAS officer (elevated from 1988 batch PCS officer) said that his first and foremost priority was to strengthen the infrastructure, completing the ongoing projects on scheduled time and to make the city better than other destinations in the national capital region (NCR).
“This city contains the tremendous potential of being a world class smart city. It is situated near the national Capital. Three main highways — NH-24, NH-58 and old grand trunk (GT) road — pass through this city. Two important railway tracks — Eastern Railway track connecting Kolkata with the national Capital and Northern Railway track connecting Amritsar, Jammu and Punjab — also pass through this city.
All the commuters from Noida, Greater Noida and Trans Hindon areas have to rely on this city’s Railway Junction due to its geographic importance,” said Yadav, adding that apart from infrastructure-related advantages, this city also contains the huge underground sweet water and an extensive green cover because of the lush green agriculture in Modinagar, Muradnagar and Pilkhuwa semi-urban areas.
The new vice chairman added that the 9.4-kilometre-long DMRC corridor to new bus stand, 11.2 kilometre-long elevated road from UP Gate to Raj Nagar Extension (connecting Vaishali Metro link with Mohan Nagar) and sector-62 extension line are on top of his priority list.
“This connectivity will facilitate commuters to travel between Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Trans Hindon areas of the city with ease; which will not only grow the business but also help company employees travel hassle-free to their offices,” he said.
He further added that familiarity with the area during his past work experience as a magistrate and the Municipal Commissioner of the city would give him an advantage in accomplishing the set goals.
After setting the infrastructure and transportation on line, the next priority for Yadav is to provide free Wi-Fi at certain public places to put the city on the world map. Since some hi-tech and integrated projects are underway in the city, young and modern generation is going to settle down in the city, he said.
“So prestigious eating joints, recreation centres, picnic spots, water bodies would be developed in the city. Possibilities are being explored to develop the forest safari in nearby areas along side upper Ganges canal, from where the entire national Capital and the NCR towns are being provided Ganga water,” added the VC.
Keeping a pace with the growing population, the garbage disposal and sewage disposal plants are being considered to be set at all four corners of the city, said the VC.