The Government of Andhra Pradesh has officially approved the first phases of metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, marking a major stride toward modernising the state’s urban transportation infrastructure. With a combined investment of ₹22,507 crore, these initiatives underscore the state’s commitment to enhancing mobility, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainable transport solutions.

The Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project, with an estimated investment of ₹11,498 crore, will be executed in two phases. Phase I will cover three corridors: Steel Plant Junction to Kommadi (34.40 km), Gurudwara Junction to Old Post Office (5.08 km), and Thatichetlapalem to Chinna Waltair (6.75 km). This phase spans a total of 46.23 km and includes 42 stations, requiring approximately 99.75 acres of land, valued at ₹882 crore. Phase II will introduce an additional corridor from Kommadi to Bhogapuram, extending the network to 76.90 km, with an estimated additional cost of ₹14,309 crore.

The Vijayawada Metro Rail project, estimated at ₹11,009 crore, will also be developed in multiple phases. Phase I will consist of two corridors: Gannavaram to Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) and PNBS to Penamaluru, together covering a stretch of 38.40 km with 34 stations. The subsequent phase is planned to include a third corridor connecting PNBS to Amaravati’s Reservoir Station.

Both projects will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the Centre contributing 40% of the funding and private developers covering the remaining 60%. This model is aimed at ensuring efficient project execution and fostering private sector participation.

A defining feature of the Visakhapatnam Metro is its ‘Green Metro’ concept, which focuses on minimising environmental impact and achieving near-zero carbon emissions. Sustainable practices such as installing solar photovoltaic panels on station rooftops and viaducts, deploying regenerative braking systems in trains, and utilising energy-efficient lighting and equipment are integral to the project design. Furthermore, metro stations are being developed to meet the Platinum certification standards of the Indian Green Building Council, reflecting a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility.

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To ensure the projects align with the cities’ evolving mobility needs, SYSTRA MVA Consulting has been engaged to update the Comprehensive Mobility Plans (CMPs) for both Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. The CMPs, originally formulated in 2019, are critical for obtaining necessary approvals and funding from the central government.

The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (APMRCL) has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of these metro projects, ensuring adherence to urban development objectives, technical standards, and environmental norms.

The approval of these metro initiatives is expected to be a transformative step in Andhra Pradesh’s urban landscape. By enhancing connectivity across key commercial, residential, and institutional zones, the projects aim to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce vehicular emissions, and improve the overall quality of urban life. As construction progresses, the state’s vision of creating a sustainable and efficient public transport system is poised to set an example for other regions across the country.

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