Vizag and Vijayawada Metro Rail projects yet to take off.

'The Government of India shall examine the feasibility of Metro Rail facility in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali Metropolitan Urban Development Authority within period of one year from the appointed day and take an expeditious decision thereon.'– A.P. Reorganisation Act 2014.

Much before the A.P. Reorganisation Act 2014 was published on March 1 promised examining the feasibility of Metro Rail in Visakhapatnam, an exercise had begun on mass transit for the city.

The Working Group on Urban Transport constituted by the Planning Commission has given guidelines on option of mass transport, including Metro, for cities with a population of above 20 lakh as per the census of 2011. The MoUD (Ministry of Urban Development) took a decision to support preparation of detailed project reports.

A Detailed Project Report was prepared by DMRC covering three corridors. Though initially it covered up to NAD Junction from Kommadi, it was later extended to Gajuwaka on representations from MLAs. The other two corridors are from Gurudwara to Old Post Office and Tatichetlapalem to Park Hotel. The ₹2.5 crore cost of preparing the DPR was footed equally by the Central and State Governments.

The DPR was submitted to the government in August/September 2015 for 42.55 km – up to Gajuwaka- and after Cabinet approval it was sent to the Union Government.

The Union Government called for remarks which are being replied to by Amaravti Metro Rail Corporation under which Vizag Metro comes now.

The Union Government also advised to go in for public private participation mode for Vizag Metro.

The project is envisaged for completion in four years from Oct, 2015 i.e, by 2019.

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