Andhra Pradesh Government Begins Land Acquisition for Vijayawada and Vizag Metro Projects
The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated the land acquisition process for the proposed metro rail corridors in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. This move marks a major milestone in the development of public transport infrastructure in the state, expected to ease congestion and provide a sustainable solution to the growing urban population.
Dr. G Lakshimisha, the NTR district collector, confirmed that the government had given the green light for the acquisition of 91.69 acres of land for the Vijayawada metro rail project. The metro will span a total of 38.4 km, connecting the Penamaluru and Gannavaram corridors, which are key areas in the city. Dr Lakshimisha stated that the land acquisition process would begin soon, with the establishment of a Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA). This body, headed by a joint collector, will begin the process of identifying landowners and determining the compensation, based on the market value of the land.
The district collector mentioned that, if there are no legal obstacles, the land acquisition for this part of the project should be completed within six months. The speed of this process is essential for keeping the metro project on track, as it forms the backbone of the city’s growing infrastructure needs. This project comes on the heels of the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet’s approval in December 2024 for the phase-1 construction of metro rail systems in both Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. The total estimated cost for the two projects is ₹11,009 crore. Both metro projects are designed to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, which has become a major issue in both cities as their populations continue to swell.
Visakhapatnam, too, is set to receive a metro system as part of the state’s broader plan to modernise public transport. The Visakhapatnam district collector has also been directed to begin the land acquisition process for the Visakhapatnam metro, which will further help ease the transportation challenges in this coastal city. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed the state government’s commitment to the metro projects, writing a letter to the central government to seek 100% funding for the metro rail systems in both Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. This appeal reflects the state’s intention to not only improve urban transport but also address the growing demand for efficient and eco-friendly travel options in its major cities.
The people of both cities have welcomed the announcement of the metro projects, with many residents expressing optimism about reduced traffic congestion and the promise of a more reliable and sustainable transportation system. While the enthusiasm is palpable, there are concerns over potential disruptions due to land acquisition and the impact on local communities. The six-month timeline for land acquisition is seen as a crucial period, as any delays or disputes could push back the overall project timeline. In terms of public perception, the metro projects are being viewed as a necessary step in modernising the transport infrastructure, aligning with the state’s ambitious goals for development and urban renewal. However, for the metro to truly succeed, it will require robust planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement, especially as the government navigates land acquisition and compensatory processes.
The coming months will be pivotal in the realisation of the metro projects in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. With the land acquisition process now underway, local residents, businesses, and government officials will be closely monitoring the project’s progress. While the initial enthusiasm is high, it will be crucial for the authorities to manage the complexities of land acquisition and community engagement to ensure smooth implementation. As the state seeks central funding to support these transformative infrastructure projects, the Andhra Pradesh metro rail systems could serve as a model for other regions in India, showcasing how metro connectivity can help solve urban mobility issues in rapidly growing cities.
