Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: A Metro rail line connecting Tirupati with other popular temple towns - Srikalahasti and Kanipakam for the convenience of lakhs of pilgrims visiting Tirumala is proposed by the Tirupati Urban Development Authority.

The detailed reports for the Metro-rail line and also the Bus Rapid Transport System connecting the three pilgrim centres to provide fast mode of transport for pilgrims visiting the temple town of Tirupati from all over the country were being prepared, said Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Anam Ram Narayan Reddy here on Saturday.

Speaking to media persons after reviewing the progress of various projects worth Rs.10,000 crore in six urban development authorities, he said UDAs should gear up with comprehensive plans to provide infrastructure, public transport systems and recreational facilities in public private partnership mode. For the Tirupati metro rail project, JNNURM funds could also be utilised as Tirupati was included under JNNURM scheme.

The Government recognised the need to create some more urban development authorities for planned development in line with rapid urbanisation. Kakinada was one such proposal, he said.

The UDAs should develop their Master Plans like HMDA keeping in view the housing, transport and other requirements for the next 20 to 30 years and work in coordination with local municipal corporations, municipalities and tourism department for better results and conservation of lakes and water bodies.

Canal tourism and navigation wherever possible in coordination with irrigation and tourism departments, provision of truck terminals and parking areas to ease congestion on the roads and development of Puttaparthi area were other proposals.

He said UDAs should utilise their land banks effectively for projects and mobilisation of resources. On satellite townships, amendments were proposed to the earlier GO and it would be sent soon for cabinet approval. On unified service rules for employees of UDAs, he said it was still at formative stage.

HMDA Commissioner K. S. Jawahar Reddy, Vice-Chairmen of Visakhapatnam, Kakatiya (Warangal), Tirupati, Vijayawada and Puttaparthi Urban Development Authorities attended the review meeting.