Delay expected in laying foundation stone for new railway zone

06 Feb 2024 CW Team

It is worth noting that the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) had acquired certain lands from the railways for various development projects, including road widening for flyover construction, building houses for the poor, and establishing the BRTS road.

Interestingly, a significant portion of the allotted land parcel is purportedly marshy and deemed unsuitable for constructing any structures. Both Railways and GVMC authorities have planned to inspect the land to determine its suitability for construction.

Railway authorities stated that these lands fall under the purview of the Mudasarlova reservoir and are designated for Municipal Water Works. GVMC Commissioner CM Saikanth Varma informed TOI that while it was labelled as municipal water works, it is not objectionable and is suitable for alienation. "We sent a letter to the Railways a month ago, expressing our readiness to provide the lands," he stated.

A senior railway official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that Railway Authorities have requested state government authorities to confirm the classification of the land allotted at Mudasarlova. The official emphasized the need to ascertain the classification and feasibility of the lands if the Railways were to establish headquarters on them.

These circumstances suggest a potential delay in laying the foundation stone for the new zone's headquarters complex. The railway authorities have already identified alternative land among their vacant lands close to the Railway Station, with the Wireless Colony being considered for the headquarters complex. The Railway authorities noted that there has been no communication regarding the foundation stone for the headquarters building to date.

The transfer or acceptance of land has emerged as a contentious issue between the GVMC and Railways, potentially causing a delay in laying the foundation stone for the New Railway Zone - South Coast Railway. According to the Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Railways is still awaiting the availability of the 52-acre land parcel allocated to them at Mudasarlova. It is worth noting that the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) had acquired certain lands from the railways for various development projects, including road widening for flyover construction, building houses for the poor, and establishing the BRTS road. Interestingly, a significant portion of the allotted land parcel is purportedly marshy and deemed unsuitable for constructing any structures. Both Railways and GVMC authorities have planned to inspect the land to determine its suitability for construction. Railway authorities stated that these lands fall under the purview of the Mudasarlova reservoir and are designated for Municipal Water Works. GVMC Commissioner CM Saikanth Varma informed TOI that while it was labelled as municipal water works, it is not objectionable and is suitable for alienation. We sent a letter to the Railways a month ago, expressing our readiness to provide the lands, he stated. A senior railway official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that Railway Authorities have requested state government authorities to confirm the classification of the land allotted at Mudasarlova. The official emphasized the need to ascertain the classification and feasibility of the lands if the Railways were to establish headquarters on them. These circumstances suggest a potential delay in laying the foundation stone for the new zone's headquarters complex. The railway authorities have already identified alternative land among their vacant lands close to the Railway Station, with the Wireless Colony being considered for the headquarters complex. The Railway authorities noted that there has been no communication regarding the foundation stone for the headquarters building to date.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

Domicil Debuts In Tricity With Luxe 9 Showcase

Domicil Germany, a luxury home furnishing brand from the House of HTL International, has made its Tricity debut with an exclusive showcase at Luxe 9, marking its first retail presence in the region.The invite-only event brought together architects, interior designers, real estate developers and high-net-worth individuals, reflecting rising demand for globally inspired, design-led living spaces.Centred on the theme ‘Celebrate Living with Timeless German Design’, the showcase highlighted Domicil’s focus on combining craftsmanship, functionality and refined aesthetics. Attendees experienced..