Amaravati, AP's new hi-tech capital will have 16.9 sq km area dedicated for startups

The master plan submitted by the Singapore government for the 'Seed Capital Area (SCA) of Andhra Pradesh, which would be the seat of administration within the capital, envisages it as a vibrant business hub comprising residential townships, institutions, parks, water bodies and recreational facilities, among others.

"A total of about seven lakh jobs are expected to be created in various sectors including government jobs," a state government release said. Singapore minister S Iswaran submitted the plan to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at Rajahmundry. The new capital of Andhra Pradesh is coming up in the Vijayawada region which has been named as Amaravati.

In line with the Capital City, the SCA is planned on transit-oriented development principles, the release said. The master plan provides "a transport hierarchy" comprising an integrated network of metro rail network of about 12 kms, bus rapid transit of about 15 kms, downtown road of about 7 km, arterial roads and sub-arterial roads of about 26 kms and collector roads of about 53 kms, with varying broad right-of-ways, the release said.

There would be extensive walkways and "pedestrianisation interlinked with open and green spaces to promote walk-to-work environment and non-motorised transport". The master plan also provides for waste management systems that would create a resourceful, safe and healthy city, the release added.

Two of Singapore's township developers are likely to bid for projects to develop Andhra Pradesh's new capital city, Amravati. Ascendas-Singbridge and Sembcorp Development have expressed interest in building the city project for which the master plan was submitted by Singapore to the Andhra Pradesh government.

The blueprint of the masterplan of Amravati city was designed by Singapore's Surbana Jurong. It sets out the land use and infrastructure plans for a 16.9 sq km startup area within the total 7,000 sq km capital. The blueprint of Phase-I covering 7,235 sq km was delivered to the government in March while the Phase-II for 125 sq km was delivered in May.

"We will study the master plan when it is available, to identify areas where we could potentially participate in and contribute our expertise in urban development." Manohar Khiatani, Deputy Chief Executive of Ascendas-Singbridge, was quoted as saying by The Straits Times.

"India has always been a key market for Ascendas- Singbridge and Andhra Pradesh is an exciting chance for the firm to deepen its presence in India," Khiatani said. Sembcorp Development has invested in more than 3,300 MW of thermal and renewable power assets across seven Indian state, including Andhra Pradesh, said its chief executive Kelvin Teo.

The combined plans will cover Amaravati's development till the year 2050. S Iswaran, Singapore's second minister for trade and industry, presented the final of the three-phase master plan to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu yesterday in Rajahmundry. The state government will now select a master developer.

Iswaran said the master plans have been completed on schedule and Singapore is keen to help the city implement it. "This collaboration has also opened up more business and investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh and India for Singapore companies," The Straits Times quoted Iswaran as saying.

Involvement of Singapore in Amaravati's development will help create business opportunities for local firms in areas such as manufacturing and logistics, he added. The minister further added that the project also has a significance on bilateral ties as its an example of how Singapore can help India build sustainable smart cities.

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