[ Outline ] · Standard · Linear+ India Planning Its Own Twin Towers

[Western US]

State to get its own twin towers soon
K V Ramana
[ Wednesday, June 07, 2006 01:46:01 amTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

HYDERABAD: Kuala Lumpur has its Petronas Tower and Chicago its Sears. Now, the government intends to put Andhra Pradesh on the world's skyscraper map.

Plans are afoot to build two 60-floor towers at Manchirevula in Rajendranagar mandal on about 100 acres, which is expected to house corporates.

Though much shorter than the world's tallest buildings — Taiwan's Taipei 101 (101 floors, 1,670 ft), Petronas Tower (88 floors, 1,483 ft) and Sears Tower (110 floors, 1,450 ft — the proposed twin buildings with 60 floors would be the tallest in the state.
Over 20 companies have responded to Andhra Pradesh Industrial and Investment Corporation's (APIIC) tender calling for bids. Most of the bidders are real estate and construction majors with global exposure and includes the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group and Emaar.

"Both these companies are participating jointly with their partners," an official source said. The twin-tower project is part of the government's broader plan to develop the surroundings of the upcoming international Shamshabad airport with facilities to suit the requirements of corporate houses.

The focus is to project Hyderabad as a hi-tech city on the move. "We need to focus on building structures in the vicinity of airport because of the spin-off effects. It can't be any structure.

The international airport is expected to bring in millions of foreign tourists and visitors and we want everyone of them to see the skyscrapers," a high-level source said.

Apart from the multi-storied structure, the 100-acre campus would also have facilities for recreation and shopping. "It's going to be a business district and all other existing structures like the Hi-Tec City would fade away once it comes up," he said.

[raj]

BAD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS

hi

initially there was some speculation that hyderabad will have its own twin towers with 60 storeys. that seemed true intially. but officials of the APICC(Andhra pradesh Industrial infrastructure corporation) have confirmed with CNBC tv 18 that they are NOT going to come up with 2 60 storey buildings.

Instead, they are coming with a single ~100 storey building surounded with atleast 20
30 storey buildings in an area of 100 acres near the upcoming shamshabad international airport.

this information can be confirmed at the following link:

http://in.news.yahoo.com/070507/211/6ff8t.html

[editor]

BAD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS

hi

initially there was some speculation that hyderabad will have its own twin towers with 60 storeys. that seemed true intially. but officials of the APICC(Andhra pradesh Industrial infrastructure corporation) have confirmed with CNBC tv 18 that they are NOT going to come up with 2  60 storey buildings.

Instead, they are coming with a single ~100 storey building surounded with atleast 20
        30 storey buildings in an area of 100 acres near the upcoming shamshabad international airport.

this information can be confirmed at the following link:

http://in.news.yahoo.com/070507/211/6ff8t.html

Very interesting. Hardly a setback. I'd rather see a single 100-story building than two 60's.

What's the area like geologically? Is it earthquake-prone?

It's good to see them embracing the walk-to-work ethic. There are a lot of cities that could benefit from similar planning. But will it really keep cars off the streets? Aren't cars a symbol of status, exactly the sort that people who would live in a complex like this would want?

[raj]

Very interesting.  Hardly a setback.  I'd rather see a single 100-story building than two 60's. 

What's the area like geologically?  Is it earthquake-prone?

It's good to see them embracing the walk-to-work ethic.  There are a lot of cities that could benefit from similar planning.  But will it really keep cars off the streets?  Aren't cars a symbol of status, exactly the sort that people who would live in a complex like this would want?

Hyderabad is in the Deccan Plateau. It is geographically located in the south central part of India. Seismically, this region is least prone to earthquakes. For example, in recent years, in 1993, a killer earthquake struck parts of Maharashtra and adjoining Andhra Pradesh. there was extensive devastation in that state. Only mild tremors of 3.5-4 on Richter scale could touch Hyderabad(My family(in sleep) woke up to the tremors on that fateful day). In 2002 January 26, one more killer earth quake struck the "kuchh area" of Gujarat and Ahmadabad. There was severe loss of life and property in that city. but not even a tremor visited hyderabad. Seismologists have confirmed that Hyderabad rests on a safe zone ie away from earth quake bound areas. and even past history does not put hyderabad on the earhtquake prone maps. Several earthquakes struck this country in Assam, Jammu and kashmir, The himalyas and even the capital of this country is some times under threat. Because harsh tremors were felt in Delhi and parts of its satellite towns Gurgaon and Noida on jan 26 2002 earthquake. My parents were living in a 10 storey apartment and they had to come running down avoiding the elevator on that fateful day. This proves beyond doubt that hyderabad is blessed by nature without the killer quakes. If skeptics do not believe me, only time will unravel the nature's mysteries.

Coming back to the case of cars or other modes of transport, People can still have their luxuries and dream cars. Because, currently, a 162 Km long outer radial ring road is being constructed around Hyderabad which spans EIGHT LANES. Yes sir! Literally 8 lanes. the average speed limit would be between 100 to 120 Kmph. (the average speed limit currently on the best road of hyderabad at kasu bramananda park near jubilee hills is around 60-80 kmph. Its a six lane road. It was laid to connect the central part of the city to the Hitech city.)(In my opinion, either side on the road does not have huge commercial establishments except a few and does not have petty vendors. the road unlike other roads is covered with a smooth cover of bitumen and does not have obstructing drainage or pot holes. ) And above all, an elevated express high way is also under construction which connects the shamshabad international airport with the city and the eight lane super express way. Which leaves us to consider the fact that people can walk to their work and burn the fuel of their cars by going for long rides at the end of the days work or weekends on these super high ways. Moreover, this kind of development is not restricted to the proposed 100 acre business district of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is poised to grow vertically as well as radially. The planners instead of concentrating in the heart of the city(where the real estate prices cost a bomb) are looking for new ventures surrounding the city areas. So, new infrastructure means new usage of technology and avoiding load on the age old infrastructure in the city. This is how development is being planned in Hyderabad. Apart from that, we have Singapore townships, NRI(Non Resident Indian) townships, megaplexes etc. the list goes on.

If one were to come to Hyderabad at present, they would not feel that the city is in a dazzling condition. A lot of construction work is going on in many parts of the city. Builders are busy with shopping complexes, hotels, malls, megaplexes etc. A lot of construction material is smeared all over the roads and many parts of the main roads are somewhat in a dilapidated state. But we can still remember the fact that Hyderabad at least won 3 times the award of being the cleanliest city in India in the recent past. To get that global outlook or the international outlook, Hyderabad has to wait for at least 5 more years if everything goes well according to the plan. but if one were to look back into the past, Hyderabad has changed a lot when compared to the last decade. And the change is still continuing with time. Hyderabad will arrive shortly in the international arena as a smart city with world class infrastructure (especially when it comes to the case of roads). the problem here is bureaucracy, political lobbying, red tape, corruption etc still continue to rule the roost. For example, if a road is in a very bad condition for months, no one cares about it. But when officials get the news that a V VIP is going to pass through a stretch, overnight the roads are black topped with bitumen. this kind of attitude should be done away with, if Hyderabad has really plans to be in the global arena. It seems that various government departments and officials exist only for serving the VIPs and VVIPs and common people are just not cared for and are often left in the lurch. Common, this(India, atleast Hyderabad) is no longer a place for a filthy bunch of people who cannot even afford their daily bread and decent accommodation. (My sincere apologies if anyone is offended) Its a burgeoning society. there are many top honchos, corporates, well educated people, NRIs and visting foreign dignitaries. Atleast to please the biz delegates and investors, the contractors should lay special emphasis on laying good roads. come rainy season, with a few showers, the top layers of bitumen gets wiped away and fresh tenders are always invited for the roads to be relaid. this kind of process is a perennial process and recurs every year. This kind of lackadaisical attitude should cease among governing class, bureaucrats and contractors . Then Hyderabad would definitely be a city of dreams and opportunities.

thank you. God bless Hyderabad !

[Reaperducer]

Hyderabad is in the Deccan Plateau. It is geographically located in the south central part of India. Seismically, this region is least prone to earthquakes. For example, in recent years, in 1993, a killer earthquake struck parts of Maharashtra and adjoining Andhra Pradesh. there was extensive devastation in that state. Only mild tremors of 3.5-4 on Richter scale could touch Hyderabad(My family(in sleep) woke up to the tremors on that fateful day). In 2002 January 26, one more killer earth quake struck the "kuchh area" of Gujarat and Ahmadabad. There was severe loss of life and property in that city. but not even a tremor visited hyderabad.  Seismologists  have confirmed that Hyderabad rests on a safe zone ie away from earth quake bound areas. and even past history does not put hyderabad on the earhtquake prone maps. Several earthquakes struck this country in Assam, Jammu and kashmir, The himalyas and even the capital of this country is some times under threat. Because harsh tremors were felt in Delhi and parts of its satellite towns Gurgaon and Noida on jan 26 2002 earthquake. My parents were living in a 10 storey apartment and they had to come running down avoiding the elevator on that fateful day. This proves beyond doubt that hyderabad is blessed by nature without the killer quakes. If skeptics do not believe me, only time will unravel the nature's mysteries.   

          Coming back to the case of cars or other modes of transport, People can still have their luxuries and dream cars. Because, currently, a 162 Km long outer radial ring road is being constructed around Hyderabad which spans EIGHT LANES.    Yes sir! Literally 8 lanes. the average speed limit would be between 100 to 120 Kmph. (the average speed limit currently on the best road of hyderabad at kasu bramananda park near jubilee hills is around 60-80 kmph.      Its a six lane road. It was laid to connect the central part of the city to the Hitech city.)(In my opinion, either side on the road does not have huge commercial establishments except a few and does not have petty vendors. the road unlike other roads is covered with a smooth cover of bitumen and does not have obstructing drainage or pot holes. )    And above all, an elevated express high way is also under construction which connects the shamshabad international airport with the city and the eight lane super express way. Which leaves us to consider the fact that people can walk to their work and burn the fuel of their cars by going for long rides at the end of the days work or weekends on these super high ways. Moreover, this kind of development is not restricted to the proposed 100 acre business district of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is poised to grow vertically as well as radially. The planners instead of concentrating in the heart of the city(where the real estate prices cost a bomb) are looking for new ventures surrounding the city areas. So, new infrastructure means new usage of technology and avoiding load on the age old infrastructure in the city. This is how development is being planned in Hyderabad. Apart from that, we have Singapore townships, NRI(Non Resident Indian) townships, megaplexes etc. the list goes on.

          If one were to come to Hyderabad at present, they would not feel that the city is in a dazzling condition. A lot of construction work is going on in many parts of the city. Builders are busy with shopping complexes, hotels, malls, megaplexes etc. A lot of construction material is smeared all over the roads and many parts of the main roads are somewhat in a dilapidated state. But we can still remember the fact that Hyderabad at least won 3 times the award of being the cleanliest city in India in the recent past. To get that global outlook or the international outlook, Hyderabad has to wait for at least 5 more years if everything goes well according to the plan. but if one were to look back into the past, Hyderabad has changed a lot when compared to the last decade. And the change is still continuing with time. Hyderabad will arrive shortly in the international arena as a smart city with world class infrastructure (especially when it comes to the case of roads).  the problem here is bureaucracy, political lobbying, red tape, corruption etc still continue to rule the roost. For example, if a road is in a very bad condition for months, no one cares about it. But when officials get the news that a V VIP is going to pass through a stretch, overnight the roads are black topped with bitumen. this kind of attitude should be done away with, if Hyderabad has really plans to be in the global arena. It seems that various government departments and officials exist only for serving the VIPs and VVIPs and common people are just not cared for and are often left in the lurch. Common, this(India, atleast Hyderabad) is no longer a place for a filthy bunch of people who cannot even afford their daily bread and decent accommodation.    (My sincere apologies if anyone is offended)      Its a burgeoning society. there are many top honchos, corporates, well educated people, NRIs and visting foreign dignitaries. Atleast to please the biz delegates and investors, the contractors should lay special emphasis on laying good roads. come rainy season, with a few showers, the top layers of bitumen gets wiped away and fresh tenders are always invited for the roads to be relaid. this kind of process is a perennial process and recurs every year. This kind of lackadaisical attitude should cease among governing class, bureaucrats and contractors . Then Hyderabad would definitely be a city of dreams and opportunities. 

thank you. God bless Hyderabad !

Thanks for such a long write-through. Great information.

You mention "Singapore Townships" -- do you mean like how other cities have Chinatown or Little India or Little Italy, or other foreign enclaves?

What do you mean my Non-Resident Indian? Since it's India, wouldn't they all be residents?

Sorry to hear about your city's problems with graft and red tape. I think virtually every city has similar problems, especially in the developing world.

Are you able to post pictures of Hyderabad? The only pictures I've ever seen from India are the Taj Mahal and the beach at Goa (from "Ripley's Game"). I heard on BBC radio a while ago someone talking about the glittering new towers of India. I'd like to see some of your new construction.

[raj]

Thanks for such a long write-through.  Great information.

You mention "Singapore Townships" -- do you mean like how other cities have Chinatown or Little India or Little Italy, or other foreign enclaves?

What do you mean my Non-Resident Indian?  Since it's India, wouldn't they all be residents?

Sorry to hear about your city's problems with graft and red tape.  I think virtually every city has similar problems, especially in the developing world.

Are you able to post pictures of Hyderabad?  The only pictures I've ever seen from India are the Taj Mahal and the beach at Goa (from "Ripley's Game").  I heard on BBC radio a while ago someone talking about the glittering new towers of India.  I'd like to see some of your new construction.

Here are the pictures which you have requested. the pictures are not limited to Hyderabad. They are from places all over India.

[raj]

Here are the pictures which you have requested. the pictures are not limited to Hyderabad. They are from places all over India.

Actually I could not cut paste the pictures in the last post. Instead, I will provide you a link which shows some real pictures and some renderings of buildings which are soon to be completed. The tallest building planned in Noida(satellite town of New Delhi) shown in the rendering below (refer to the link) has not started yet. It lies in Earth Quake zone and takes some time to get approval and permission to start such a sky scrapper of that magnitude (Actually 4 complexes of 140 storey each are being planned and if everything goes well they may be completed by 2010-2013). But the one going to come up in Hyderabad( a 100 storey building tallest in India is in the final stages of getting the official nod and would likely begin this july.)

Please check this link below:

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/09/wo...a/slideshow.htm

i will try to post the pictures of Hyderabad in my next post . I will try to post more comprehensive pictures of Ramoji Film city (the biggest in the world) and some buildings in my next post.