RFP being prepared for Light Metro Rail in Visakhapatnam

The RFP (Request For Proposal) for the much-awaited Light Metro Rail in Visakhapatnam is being readied to be submitted to the state government soon, it has been reported.

While it was earlier considered that the metro rail project might not garner an adequate response from the citizens, they expect the latest project, which is a “medium” version of the earlier project, might end up receiving a better response. The project would also be costing lesser sum as compared to its original form.

It was reported that of the total Rs 8000 crore of the project, Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation (AMRC) will be bearing 50% while the remaining will be contributed by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) and under the PPP partnership model.

As per a senior official, the developer for the project would be chosen among the five firms who had already submitted their bids for the Request for Qualification (RfQ). Adani Enterprises Limited, Gurgaon, TRIL Urban Transport Private Limited, Mumbai, Shapoorji Pallonji, and Company Private Limited, Mumbai, ESSEL Infraprojects Limited, Mumbai, IL&FS Rail Limited, Mumbai, are the firms which submitted the bids.

The RFP document, after being approved by the state government, will be released to the five firms which have submitted the bids.

Three routes have been identified in Vizag to operate the light metro rail here. While the first route is expected to be from Gajuwaka to Kommadi, the remaining two metro lines would be constructed along the routes of Gurudwara-Old Post Office and Thatichetlapalem-Chinna Waltair respectively.