PNS|Vijayawada
As part of an educational initiative, a delegation from the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), comprising corporators and engineering officials, undertook a study tour to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)—Greater Bengaluru Municipal Corporation—on Tuesday to inspect key developmental projects.
The 43-member VMC team, led by YSRCP Floor Leader Venkata Satyanarayana, departed Vijayawada on Monday. The visit aimed to gain firsthand knowledge of Bengaluru’s infrastructure models, particularly focusing on White Top Roads and the K-100 Storm Water Drain Project, both considered pioneering solutions to urban challenges.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath, who gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on Bengaluru’s civic infrastructure and governance strategies. He informed the team that the BBMP administers a population of over 1.40 crore people across eight zones.
Highlighting the White Top Road Project, Girinath explained that this innovative concrete road model requires minimal to no maintenance for up to 25–30 years. So far, around 200 km of White Top Roads have been developed across Bengaluru. The team also visited KR Road, which was laid 15 years ago and has not needed repairs since, showcasing the project’s durability.
The Commissioner also elaborated on the K-100 Storm Water Drain Project, designed to eliminate water stagnation during the monsoon. The project, which spans approximately 100 km, has seen 11 km completed to date. Notably, the drain includes natural pollution control through vegetation planted along the canal, contributing to both rainwater harvesting and urban greening.
He further emphasised BBMP’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Bengaluru is one of the first three Indian cities to adopt a Climate Action Plan, with focused development on lakes, greenery, and clean air initiatives. The BBMP is managing urban challenges related to waste, roads, lighting, and lakes through an Integrated Command Control Room, which also monitors air quality, lake water levels, and traffic systems.
The VMC delegation actively interacted with BBMP officials, asking questions and seeking clarity on urban best practices. Venkata Satyanarayana expressed gratitude to Tushar Girinath for his insightful presentation and hospitality.
In a formal gesture, Deputy Mayor Avuthu Sri Sailaja Reddy, Venkata Satyanarayana, TDP Deputy Floor Leader Ummidi Venkateswara Rao, and BJP leader Bulla Vijayakumar were felicitated by the BBMP Chief Commissioner during the visit.
