Vijayawada: Rajiv Gandhi Park redevelopment starts

Vijayawada: The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has begun the redevelopment of Rajiv Gandhi Park . The VMC in its urban renewal plan decided to spend Rs 2 crore from its 14th Finance Commission funds to develop the Rajiv Gandhi park. As part of the revamp plan, adventure zone, children’s play area, multi-cuisine food court and a virtual-reality gaming zone will come up at the park.

The park is also set to get walking tracks and an international-standard skating rink.

“We have started the development work at Rajiv Gandhi Park. Old water fountains will be repaired and latest amusements will be procured. It will be an urban lung space for the city, providing fun and recreation to the people,” said VMC chief engineer Mariyanna.

The Rajiv Gandhi Park is the city’s largest park. It spreads across nine acres of land. It is centrally located, adjacent to the Pandit Nehru Bus Station and VMC head office.

A majority of the rides at the park were in a dilapidated condition and the greenery was damaged. The Joy train has been defunct since 2011 and the mini zoo has been closed for years.

A portion of the park was acquired for the landing of the Kanaka Durga flyover. The then Telugu Desam Party (TDP) lead municipal council repaired the water fountain during Krishna Pushkarams in 2017 and allowed private players to arrange amusements such as Ferris wheels and other equipment.