I hope this new planned city is really well planned and helps Chhattisgarh to change the face of the State, which is generally considered to be in list of most backward state.
The plan for SEZ,Sports complex, Warehouse hubs, parks , education hubs etc etc should not be changed even if they are facing difficulties in setting up in initial years. Its a huge task and may take 5-10 years to achieve the goal. Just dont loose patience and start selling cheaply to builders.
One of the key to have a world class city to have excellent infrastructure like good roads, power, regular water supply, low pollution, expandability, etc etc . I hope NRDA understands it well and able to take states well socio-economic condition.
Few more things to ponder
Though i believe it is a good move to start a capital in a new place but i have few apprehension
1.The place is hardly 20 kms aways. I am sure these 20 km patch is occupied in a chaotic way immediately after announcement of the master plan few years ago.
I suppose a distance of about 35-50 km , along the national highway, would have insulated it better. With a express way connectivity it can be covered in 20-30 mins only.
This would insulate existing Raipur from all political dramas and would provide new capital an economic growth from scratch.
2.Just six km from airport. This has two implications. a. What this means that city cannot have tall buildings. b. Airport expansion is almost impossible. For a new city , i would think for them to plan for international airport at least in design.
3.Name of the capital simply does not make sense. Could have been more innovative and closer to Chatissgarh culture. The name doesnt change in near future as its happening to other cities.
4.Pollution. Raipur is one of the most dirtiest and polluted city of the country. Making new city insulated may not be easy. The new city should come with excellent roads, good public transport (to discourage people to drive their own vehicles), wide road , no new polluting industry to be allowed in 25-50 kms from the capital.
5.Big plans fails. From the article its seems to be very ambitious plan. I think, stick to basics and move slowly and steady, is the key.
6.Next elections is nearing- This government term is already beyond mid way. Hope by the time the project kicks off, the new government , if not the same, moves the capital to a new place.
7.Copying from Putrajaya : Putrajaya itself is not a successful project. Mr. Oommen dont get mesmerized by the building and roads alone. Try to understand on its failure also.
