Cities will see transformation in coming years: Naidu

Cities are drivers of economic growth and with the rising aspirations of people, Indian cities will see a transformation in coming years, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said here on Thursday.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the commercial hub World Trade Centre (WTC) in Nauroji Nagar, Naidu said all sections of people living in the cities need to be provided with adequate housing and other essential amenities.

"India is witnessing rapid urbanisation as millions of people aspire to look for better standards of living. As a result, cities and towns will undergo transformation in coming years," he was quoted in a statement issued by NBCC India Ltd, the government entity charged with construction of the project.

Union Urban Development Minister Hardeep Puri, also present at the function, said Delhi could emerge as the world's most populous city by 2028. Hence, the government has embarked upon planned urbanisation.

Along with the WTC, Naidu laid the foundation stone for redevelopment of Netaji Nagar as part of the government's plan to redevelop seven old General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) colonies for central government employees.

"The WTC in Nauroji Nagar and redevelopment of GPRA colony in Netaji Nagar are the most powerful expressions of transforming and greening of the national capital," Puri was quoted as saying in the statement.

"The WTC, with approximately 60 lakh sq feet of built-up area, will house 12 commercial towers in a state-of-the-art commercial hub spread across 25 acres. It will have all the modern facilities, an aesthetically-designed facade and a pleasing landscape.

"For Nauroji Nagar project, NBCC has obtained accreditation from the World Trade Centre Association, New York, which will be first-of-its-kind in the Delhi-NCR region," read the statement.

NBCC (India) Ltd is a Navratna enterprise under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

--IANS

vn/nir