VIZAG METRO: A Cheap Transportation Option

According to Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation (AMRC) MD Ramakrishna Reddy, the proposed Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project, taken up under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, will prove more sustainable for the developer and affordable for the public.

Considered to be the first of its kind, the project requires an investment of Rs.13,488 crores. The Andhra Pradesh Government will contribute 20 percent of the cost in the form of land, which is nearly 75 acres. Another 20 percent of the cost will come from the Centre. The rest 60% will be borne by the private developer.

The VMR project is planned across three corridors with a length of 43km. Corridor-I, from Kommadi junction to Gajuwaka junction, will run on the national highway for about 30.38 km and consists of 25 stations. Corridor-2, from Gurudwara to Old Post Office, is about 5.26 km with seven stations. Corridor-3 is planned from Thadichetlapalem to Chinna Waltair, stretching across nine stations (6.91km).

The AMRC, which is undertaking the Vizag project, has already sent the updated proposal to the Union government for approval. They will be calling for Expression of Interest (EOI) in the coming two months. The finalization of the proposal will be followed by calling for tender and commencement of construction work by the end of 2017. The VMR is expected to be operational in the next 3 ½ years.