Vijayawada: Markings being done to build alternative roads to ease traffic pressure while the Metro Rail is constructed is worrying residents on the outskirts as they will have to part with their land. The AP Capital Region Development Authority as a part of the Metro Rail project in the city had proposed to develop five alternative roads connecting Eluru Road and Bandar Road. Most of these roads pass through Ramavarappadu, Prasadampadu, Enikepadu and Nidamanuru.

The Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation expects to start work on the Metro Rail project soon. The municipal Corporation has stated that it cannot afford funds to build the alternative roads. The APCRDA along with the roads and buildings department have come forward to develop the roads which will run parallel to Eluru Road and MG road till Ramavarappadu. Citizens of these areas are opposing the plan as about 29 acres of land along with 220 properties need to be acquired to build the roads. “We are not against the development but we cannot lose our valuable properties.

Around 189 properties are affected with the expansion of Ballem Vari Street from Ramavarappadu to Autonagar. Government should consider our genuine concern and change the routes,” said Mr Jetti Raghavarao of Ramavarappadu. One acre in the area is said to cost `6 crore as per market value. “Land value in our areas is in crores as there is a real estate boom. The huge demand for 2BHK and 3BHK flats has increased and as a result construction of apartments is in full swing. We are not ready to give our land as the government cannot compensate us,” said Kommana Nageswara Rao, who said he owned a plot of land in Prasadampadu.

APCRDA commissioner Cherukuri Sreedhar requested the land owners to cooperate. He assured that Capital Region Development Authority would issue Transfer of Develop-ment Rights bonds as per the guidelines of state government. However, development pains in a growing city is not a new phenomenon. People in every major city in the world have had to undergo some sacrifice before they enjoy the fruits of development. Properties will need to be acquired as the growing city gets modern infrastructure and facilities.