The metro train project planned in 2014 with the detailed project report (DPR) prepared in 2015 was approved by the State Government further forwarded to the Central Government in January last year. The central government proposed the project under the PPP mode against the conventional method of construction with the revised DPR being submitted in December.
Amaravathi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (AMRPC) managing director N Ramakrishna Reddy told TOI, “We are waiting for the in-principle nod from the central government following which allocation of funds will be done.”
The metro train project has been proposed by the state government in Vijayawada, but the latter gained attention because of falling in the new capital region. The Vizag metro rail will cover 42.04 km stretch in three corridors — Kommadi to Gajuwaka, Gurudwara Junction to Old Post office via Dwarakanagar and Dabagardens, and Thatichetlapalem to Park Hotel on Beach Road via the station complex. The cost of the project was estimated to be Rs 12,000 crore as per the 2015-16 report, sources said.
Reddy said they will invite expressions of interest (EOI) once they get permission from the central government. “We need to send the project for approval in each stage from the central government as it will provide viability gap funding. Any metro rail project will take years together for completion. The project is under consideration by the central government,” he added.
Since the state government is facing severe criticism from all sections of the society for not allotting any funds for the Vizag Metro Railway project even though it was proposed before the Vijayawada Metro Railway project, the concerned authorities claim that the project is in the pipeline and will be on the cards soon and that they are awaiting for the in-principle nod. Only time will tell if the project really ever surfaces!
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