Vizag to get three working women's hostels at a cost of ₹172 crore
In a significant development aimed at promoting gender-inclusive urban infrastructure and enhancing the women labour force participation rate (LFPR), the Government of Andhra Pradesh has accorded administrative sanction for the construction of three working women's hostels in the city. The authorities have finalised three strategic locations – Mudasarlova, Madhurawada and Narava.
The project will be implemented by the Greater Visakhapatnam Smart City Corporation Limited (GVSCCL) in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The cost of the project is estimated to be around ₹172 crore.
Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, S. Suresh Kumar in a release recently said that this project is being undertaken as part of the Central government's special assistance to the States for Capital Investment scheme (SASCI) for 2024–25, which has received approval from the Ministry of Finance.
'This support underscores a shared commitment between the State and Union governments to enhance the ease of living and economic participation of women,' he said.
As per the officials, a two-acre land has been identified near BRTS Road at Mudasarlova for the first campus. The hostel will be constructed at a cost of ₹90.54 crore there. The second hostel will be built on 1.14 acres at Madhurawada with a budget of ₹51.08 crore. The third hostel will come up at Narava with a budget of ₹30.40 crore.
The working women hostels will be equipped with modern amenities, adequate parking, food court and space for recreational and cultural activities. These facilities will provide safe, and well-equipped accommodation for working women, thereby supporting their mobility, independence, and access to employment opportunities.
The State government has asked the authorities from the MEPMA and the GVSCCL to oversee the implementation of the project. All procedural requirements, including Public Financial Management System (PFMS) integration, financial reporting, and adherence to project timelines, must be strictly followed as per the guidelines.
'The initiative represents a forward-looking approach by the government to create inclusive urban environments that empower women and drive sustainable development,' Mr. Suresh Kumar said.
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