Date:16/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/16/stories/2008051654410600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Volkswagen land in Vizag up for grabs

Santosh Patnaik

VISAKHAPATNAM: A part of the land identified for German auto major Volkswagen’s Greenfield project in the city is up for grabs.

After a lot of hype, controversy and the inspection of facilities available in the city by a team from Volkswagen AG, the company backed out from its plan of setting up the car project. The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to sell through auction 90 acres of land at Aganampudi abutting the National Highway-5 near Visakhapatnam Steel Plant for those interested in developing an Innovation Park. After allotting 1,750 acres in Kapulauppada to a Delhi-based firm for developing Knowledge City, the Vizag Innovation Park has been conceived. The reserve price for 90 acres land is put at Rs. 180 crore at the rate of Rs. 2 crore an acre.

After the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority and A.P. Housing Board, now it seem.s to be the turn of A.P. Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to resort to sale of bulk lands in the city. APIIC Chief General Manager I. Eswara Rao told The Hindu on Thursday that a multi-use complex with world-class infrastructure would come up at the proposed park. He said technical and price bids were sought separately by May 26 for evaluation. Only after those who emerge successful in the technical evaluation, their price bids will be opened. Logistic, research and development, housing, hospitality and support infrastructure will be encouraged in the proposed park.