APIIC RFP notification for consultancy sets off speculation

Visakhapatnam: THE notification issued by Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) for appointment of an architectural consultant for development of Industry Enablement Centre, sentinel towers and a guesthouse for senior government officials and dignitaries on Hill No. 4 of Madhurawada in the city has set off speculation that this is part of an exercise to meet the requirements for executive capital.

Even as there is no clarity when the Secretariat and Chief Minister's Office will be relocated to Visakhapatnam due to court cases, the notification seeking bids before April 6 has fuelled lot of speculation. A few private investors active in promoting 'Destination Visakhapatnam' to lure investors whom Bizz Buzz contacted said they were not aware of details about the project though they heard about it. The notification said out of 302 acres in Survey Nos. 409 and 427/2, they will be earmarking 10 acres for the development of Industry Enablement Centre and few other facilities.

Rushikonda IT Park, Innovation Valley, Fintech Tower, Rama Naidu Film City and a few residential gated communities and international schools along with Gitam deemed to be university and Gayatri Group of Educational Institutions are located in the vicinity. Kapulauppada, where an IT Concept City and Adana Data Park are proposed is also close to the proposed Industry Enablement Centre. According to the notification, AP is one of the most forward-looking States in the country in terms of infrastructure development. APIIC, fully owned by the Government of AP, is a progressive organisation responsible for development of industrial infrastructure in the State. APIIC is known for creating landmark infrastructure projects fuelling economic growth.

APIIC has so far developed over 470 industrial parks/estates and created land banks for the future industrial development. For the goal of advancing industrialisation and urbanisation in AP, APIIC also develops social infrastructure such as housing and commercial developments as ancillary/support facilities in addition to the creation of industrial infrastructure. In this regard, APIIC has acquired 302 acres of hill area in Survey No.409, 427/2 of Madhurawada village.

The consultant will be picked up through an open competitive bidding process as per the terms of reference. Declining to comment on response to RFP notification, APIIC Engineer-in-Chief ChSS Prasad said they had not taken any decision to extend the deadline.