Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has greenlit ambitious double-decker metro rail projects for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during a review meeting at the State Secretariat, approved 66 km of metro rail for Vijayawada and 76.9 km for Visakhapatnam.
Metro Managing Director Ramakrishna Reddy presented the project details, and discussions focused on funding mechanisms under the 2017 metro rail policy. Highlighting the Central government’s role, the Chief Minister emphasized that the metro project is part of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. He called for Central assistance, including 100% equity, for the ₹8,565 crore 16-km metro rail project already approved by the Union Urban Development and Railway Departments.
The double-decker system, designed to navigate through national and state highways, will be implemented in phases. In Visakhapatnam, the first phase includes 15 km from Madhurawada to Thatichetlapalem and 4 km from Gajuwaka to Visakha Steel Plant. In Vijayawada, the 4.7-km stretch will connect Ramavarappadu Ring Road to Nidamanuru.
The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite discussions with the Centre and launch construction soon, aiming for completion within four years. Ministers P. Narayana and B.C. Janardhan Reddy, along with other officials, attended the meeting.
