The double-decker features a unique structure with a road at the bottom, a flyover above it, and the metro rail line at the top

metro india news  I amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the progress of the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects during a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday. With the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) already approved, the state government is moving forward with its plans to lay the groundwork for metro connectivity in these two key cities.

The Vijayawada Metro Rail project, spanning 66 kilometers, and the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project, covering 76.9 kilometers, have been prioritized. During the meeting, Metro Managing Director Ramakrishna Reddy presented the current status of the projects and the funding requirements to the Chief Minister.

The discussion focused on funding models under the 2017 Metro Rail Policy, which allows for innovative approaches to finance such projects. Unlike pre-2017 policies, where 100% of metro project costs were not borne by the central government, the 2017 policy provides an option for the Centre to bear 100% equity, as seen in the Kolkata Metro project. 

In Kolkata, a 16-kilometer stretch was completed under this model at a cost of Rs.8,565 crore, jointly undertaken by the Union Ministry of Urban Development and Indian Railways. Chief Minister Naidu emphasized the need for similar funding support from the central government for the metro projects in Andhra Pradesh.

He directed officials to initiate discussions with the Centre to secure assistance, either under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act or through the 2017 Metro Rail Policy.

In Visakhapatnam, the first stage of the metro will include a 15-kilometer stretch from Madhurawada to Thatichetlapalem and a 4-kilometer stretch from Gajuwaka to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, both using the double-decker approach.

In Vijayawada, a 4.7-kilometer section from Ramavarappadu Ring to Nidamanuru will also adopt the double-decker model. This method has been successfully implemented in other cities and is now being tailored for Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure needs. 

Chief Minister Naidu set a target to make metro services operational in both cities within the next four years. He directed officials to expedite discussions with the central government and ensure timely commencement of the projects.

The review meeting was attended by Ministers Narayana and BC Janardhan Reddy, along with senior officials from various departments.