PEPSCON 2018

Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board makes significant strides in Infrastructure and Construction Development

The Pre-Engineered Structures Society of India (PSI) recently organized PEPSCON 2018, a three-day conference-cum-exhibition on pre-engineered and pre-cast concrete structures. Held at VR Siddhartha Engineering College, Kanuru in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, it was attended by over 300 delegates from various states, and over 40 exhibitors displayed their products.

The event was aimed at creating awareness amongst structural engineers, developers and builders, consultants, architects and engineering students, on the latest technologies, trends and techniques for sustainable and speedy construction of infra and housing projects.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Satya Prakash Tucker, former chief secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh and current Vice Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB). Addressing a gathering of stakeholders and other officials, he informed that APEDB was conceived under the leadership of chief minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, to accelerate economic growth, and also facilitate a friendly investment climate in the state, which clocked a growth rate of 11.72% in the first quarter of 2017-18.

He apprised that APEDB will continue to manage bilateral relationships, align economic activities with growth paradigms, and lead investment promotions. Key infrastructure projects in the state highlighted during the discussions included 14 Smart Cities being developed, six/four/two-lane inter-state connectivity, metro rail and port development projects, a greenfield international metropolis, 5 greenfield no-frills airports, supercritical thermal plants of 4,000 MW each, and 7 solar parks of 1,000 MW each.

At a roundtable meeting with top delegates, Mr. Tucker emphasized the “Take Fiber to the Villages” initiative, India's prestigious “Polavaram project”, and the state’s NALA reform that works towards converting agricultural lands for commercial use, as per the 2006 Act.

Discussing the government’s major reforms and the role of the task force in supervising developments in the construction sector, he urged everyone to invest in infrastructure development of Andhra Pradesh - the most technologically-enabled state in India – which is fast adapting to the latest precast and PEB technologies. The AP government uses satellite imaging technology through aerial survey, as it aims to build 5.39 lakh affordable housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).

Mr. Tucker concluded by pointing out the state’s policies for ease of construction, and acknowledged APEDB’s efforts in facilitating best practices with next-gen technology for bringing about better efficiencies in construction across the state.