Vijayawada: As many as 450 big companies from South East Asia are set to locate themselves on both the sides of river Krishna, particularly, in the upstream of Prakasam Barrage. The companies from Singapore, Japan, China and other countries have made up their mind to have their base in the new capital zone of Andhra Pradesh. These companies are likely to have their headquarters along the 40 km long stretch of river Krishna.

Singapore is said to be looking at this  new capital zone as it cannot go anymore with horizontal expansion and has also  reached the peak stage for vertical expansion. Many new companies looking for a safer alternative have found the new capital zone in Andhra Pradesh as an advantage to move over and set up their base here. The Singapore government wants to have a mini-Singapore on both sides of the river, replicating its home.

Same is the case with the companies from Japan. Unlike Singapore, Japan has no space problem, but the nation is looking for safe zone, particularly after the devastating 2011 Tsunami. They feel  Andhra Pradesh capital region is the right choice keeping in mind the safety aspect. In all probability, the big investors from both Singapore and Japan are likely to share the 40 km long river side, if the initial plans of the government work out.

Giving the river side to these 450 companies, who are said to be impressed with the rail, road, air and sea connectivity to the region, the Andhra Pradesh government is planning to move a little away from Thulluru and close to Mangalagiri town for its core capital. According to highly placed sources, the government is now thinking of moving the core capital towards Mangalagiri, particularly around Neeruk­onda village where the farmers are willing to part with their lands.

As these lands are not so fertile like those Jareebu lands on the banks of river Krishna, the farmers would be welcoming the move to have the core capital in their villages. The land pooling in this area connecting to Peda Parimi and Tadikonda on Thulluru side covering the single-crop zone area is likely to be part of the second phase.