VISAKHAPATNAM (Metro Rail News): Visakhapatnam, often referred to as Vizag, is poised to transform its urban transportation landscape through an advanced metro rail project. This visionary undertaking is a result of collaborative efforts between the Central and State governments, in partnership with IL&FS Engineering and Construction Limited, under the guidance of the Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC).
U.J.M. Rao, the Managing Director of the AP Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC), is optimistic about commencing work shortly. He states, “We have submitted the final DPR (Detailed Project Report) for the development of the Vizag Metro Rail to the State government. Once the project gains approval from the State Cabinet, we will forward it to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for clearance.”
Funding for the Vizag Metro project will be a collaborative effort, with the Government of India contributing 20% of the project cost as Viability Gap Funding (VGF), the State government contributing another 20%, and the remaining investment being secured from private investors through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The proposed metro corridors include:
A 64.09 km corridor from Kurmannapalem Junction to Bhogapuram, passing through Gajuwaka and Anandapuram. Initially, this corridor will extend up to Kommadi Junction (34 km). After the completion of Bhogapuram International Airport, the metro will be extended to provide seamless connectivity to and from the airport for city passengers.
A second corridor spanning 6.5 km, connecting Thatichetlapalem Junction (present National Highway) to Park Hotel Junction. It will pass through Railway New Colony, Railway Station, Old Jail Road, Vivekananda statue junction, RTC Complex, Sampath Vinayaka temple road, and AU Out Gate.
The third corridor, covering a distance of 5.5 km, will run from Gurudwara Junction (Santhipuram) to Old Head Post Office (OHPO) Junction via Diamond Park, LIC, Dabagardens, City Police Commissioner’s Office, and Poorna Market backside road.
According to Mr. Rao, to optimize costs, the project has chosen the Light Metro system and an elevated corridor. Land acquisition poses no challenges in any of the corridors, except at OHPO junction in the third corridor. Discussions with officials from the State Bank of India (SBI) and a shipping company located in the area have yielded positive responses regarding their properties.
The Vizag Metro project holds promise for a transformative impact on urban mobility in Visakhapatnam, ushering in a new era of efficient and interconnected transportation.
If Porject will finished by PPP, is the contractor will worthful it IL&FS