Vijayawada Municipal Corporation Greenlights EV Charging Infrastructure
The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has officially passed a resolution to establish electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at strategic locations across the city. This initiative aims to address the increasing demand for EV infrastructure, with stations planned for key junctions, municipal parking spaces, and high-footfall areas to support the transition to sustainable transportation.
Proposal and Implementation Details
The proposal was introduced by Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao under agenda item 9 and received approval from the council. VMC Commissioner H.M. Dhyanchandra announced that specific sites for the charging stations will be identified at a later stage. The project will leverage various funding schemes, including Fame India Phase II, AP Electric Mobility Policy Incentives, Smart City Mission, Amrut, and Urban Infrastructure funds, to ensure efficient development and deployment.
Council Meeting Highlights and Political Tensions
The council meeting, chaired by Mayor Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi, addressed 145 agenda items focused on city development. Discussions highlighted several critical issues, such as poor facilities at public toilets and malfunctioning Amma and Pink toilets designated for women. Members proposed constructing new toilet complexes along the BRTS road to improve sanitation infrastructure.
Tensions escalated during the meeting when TDP and YSRCP members clashed over remarks made by CPM floor leader Boya Satya Babu regarding the appointment of sanitation workers. Additionally, a heated debate erupted over the sanction of new social security pensions, with YSRCP members accusing the state government of failing to distribute benefits to eligible citizens. Mayor Bhagya Lakshmi further demanded the rollback of the Pura Mitra application, alleging that municipal tax revenues from Vijayawada were being diverted, leaving the civic body without funds to pay contractors for development projects.
Final Council Sitting and Administrative Changes
This council meeting marked the final sitting of the VMC council led by the YSRCP, which is set to conclude on March 17. In a related development, the state government has appointed special officers to all urban local bodies (ULBs). NTR district Collector Dr G Lakshmisha has been designated as the Special Officer for VMC, overseeing administrative functions during this transitional period.
