The Andhra Pradesh government has made a significant advancement in urban transportation by approving the first phases of the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects. This decision, announced on December 2, 2024, is set to transform the public transit landscape in these two major cities, enhancing connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion.
Project Overview
Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project
The Visakhapatnam metro project will consist of three primary corridors covering a total distance of 46.23 kilometers in its first phase. The corridors are as follows:
Corridor 1: Connecting Steel Plant Junction to Kommadi (34.40 km)
Corridor 2: Linking Gurudwara to Old Post Office (5.08 km)
Corridor 3: Stretching from Thatichetlapalem to Chinna Waltair (6.75 km)
The estimated cost for this phase is approximately ₹11,498 crore, excluding land acquisition costs. A fourth corridor is planned for phase II, connecting Kommadi to Bhogapuram, which will be developed following the operationalization of the Bhogapuram airport.
Vijayawada Metro Rail Project
Similarly, the Vijayawada metro project will develop two corridors spanning a total of 38.40
kilometers in its first phase:
Corridor 1A: From Gannavaram to Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS)
Corridor 1B: Connecting PNBS to Penamaluru
The estimated cost for this project phase is around ₹11,009 crore, with an additional ₹1,152 crore allocated for land acquisition.
Funding and Implementation
Both projects will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with funding structured as follows:
1. 40% from the Central government
2. 60% from private developers
This financing strategy aims to ensure the projects’ viability while promoting private sector involvement in urban infrastructure development.
Expected Impact
The introduction of metro rail systems in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada is anticipated to significantly enhance urban mobility. Key benefits include:
Reduced Traffic Congestion: The metro system will provide an efficient alternative to road transport, helping to ease traffic woes.
Improved Connectivity: The corridors will connect residential, commercial, and industrial areas, facilitating smoother commutes for residents.
Environmental Benefits: By promoting public transport over personal vehicles, the metro system is expected to reduce pollution levels in both cities.
Conclusion
The approval of these metro projects marks a pivotal step towards modernizing public transport in Andhra Pradesh’s urban centers. With construction set to begin soon, residents can look forward to a more efficient and eco-friendly commuting option that promises to reshape the transportation landscape in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada for years to come
Andhra Pradesh government has approved the first phase of metro projects for Vishakhapatnam and Vijayawada, with a total estimated cost of Rs 22,507 crore.
Also Read: India-Bangladesh Relations: Is Populism Driving Nations Further Apart?
