The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the first phases of metro rail projects for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
The combined investment of ₹22,507 crore underscores the state’s commitment to sustainable and efficient public transportation systems. This phase will cover approximately 76.9 km and aims to link key commercial, residential, and institutional hubs of the city. The proposed corridors include routes from Gajuwaka to Kommadi, Gurudwara to Old Post Office, and Thatichetlapalem to RK Beach. These alignments were selected strategically to ensure seamless intermodal integration with existing bus and railway networks. The Visakhapatnam metro project, estimated at ₹11,498 crore, will be developed in two phases. Phase I encompasses three corridors
Corridor 1: Steel Plant Junction to Kommadi (34.40 km)
Corridor 2: Gurudwara Junction to Old Post Office (5.08 km)
Corridor 3: Thatichetlapalem to Chinna Waltair (6.75 km)This phase covers a total of 46.23 km with 42 stations, requiring 99.75 acres of land valued at ₹882 crore. Phase II will introduce a fourth corridor from Kommadi to Bhogapuram, extending the metro system to 76.90 km, with an estimated cost of ₹14,309 crore. The project will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with 40% funding from the Centre and 60% from private developers.
Vijayawada Metro Project
The Vijayawada metro project, valued at ₹11,009 crore, will consist of two corridors in Phase I:
Corridor 1: Gannavaram to Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS)
Corridor 2: PNBS to Penamaluru
This phase totals 38.40 km with 34 stations. Phase II will focus on a third corridor connecting PNBS to Amaravati’s Reservoir Station. The project is also structured under the PPP model, with similar funding arrangements.
Both metro projects are designed with sustainability at their core. The Visakhapatnam metro, for instance, incorporates a ‘Green Metro’ concept aiming for near-zero carbon emissions. Features include solar photovoltaic panels on station rooftops and viaducts, regenerative braking systems in trains, and energy-efficient lighting and equipment. Stations are planned to meet the Indian Green Building Council’s Platinum certification standards.
SYSTRA MVA Consulting has been appointed to update the Comprehensive Mobility Plans (CMPs) for both cities. These plans, originally prepared in 2019, are essential for obtaining central government approval and funding. The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (APMRCL) is overseeing the projects, ensuring alignment with urban development goals and environmental standards.
The approval of these metro projects marks a transformative phase in Andhra Pradesh’s urban development. By enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable transport, the state is setting a benchmark for other regions in India. As these projects progress, they are expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon footprints, and improve the quality of urban life for residents and visitors alike.
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