L&T bags Rs 1,280-cr quantum project as CRDA clears Amaravati push

The APCRDA has approved several key infrastructure and development projects for Amaravati, including the award of the quantum facility project to L&T, an iconic ropeway linking Vijayawada and Amaravati, and a study on constructing an iconic bridge across the Krishna river.

Briefing reporters after the 64th CRDA Authority meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P Narayana said the authority had cleared several proposals aimed at accelerating the development of the Greenfield capital city of Amaravati.

"The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has approved several key development works to accelerate the reconstruction of Amaravati, including the quantum facility project, digital infrastructure, tourism initiatives and measures to strengthen connectivity," an official release quoing Narayana late on Tuesday said.

He said Larsen & Toubro had secured the tender for the Rs 1,280-crore Quantum Facility Project, which has been approved by the authority as part of the government's efforts to develop Amaravati into a global technology hub.

The minister said the authority also approved land acquisition for the Inner Ring Road and a new railway line to improve connectivity to the capital. It also endorsed the unanimous resolution passed by residents of Mothadaka village in Guntur district to contribute 2,344 acres under the Land Pooling Scheme.

To boost tourism and provide seamless transport, the authority approved an iconic ropeway project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The proposed ropeway will connect Vijayawada Railway Station, Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS), Indrakeeladri Sri Kanaka Durga Temple, Punnami Ghat, Bhavani Island and the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Amaravati.

Narayana said the authority approved inviting tenders for setting up a 20 MW data centre and issuing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for establishing 5G towers at 20 locations in Amaravati to strengthen the city's digital infrastructure.

He said the authority had also revived the HappyNest Housing Project and decided to exempt it from Andhra Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (APRERA) renewal fees so that homebuyers would not face additional financial burden due to delays.

The minister said the authority approved the release of Rs 122 crore to the Endowments Department as compensation in accordance with Supreme Court directions, for bringing 244.39 acres of Endowments Department land in Palnadu district under the Land Pooling Scheme.

It also ratified the loan process undertaken through the Andhra Pradesh Public Finance Corporation (APPFC) for payment of Rs 300 crore in annuity arrears to farmers last year.

He said a proposal to exempt stamp duty and registration charges on land allotted to Kendriya Vidyalaya in Amaravati would be placed before the State Cabinet.

The authority also approved appointing a consultant to study the number of bridges required across the Krishna river to meet future passenger and freight transport needs and examine the feasibility of constructing a technologically advanced iconic bridge.

Narayana said the authority further decided to constitute an expert committee to ensure that government buildings and projects in Amaravati reflect Telugu culture, arts and traditions, similar to the architectural approach adopted for the Bhogapuram International Airport.