Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting to review the metro rail projects planned for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. The meeting focused on the possibility of implementing double-decker metro systems in various parts of the cities, particularly in areas with existing road infrastructure.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for discussions with the central government to secure funding for metro projects, following the model of Kolkata’s metro system. He reminded the meeting that metro projects are included in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, and under the 2017 metro policy, the central government is expected to fund 100% of the equity for these projects.
READ MORE: Ram Charan Teases Release Date for Mahesh Babu-Rajamouli Project
Naidu referenced the 16-kilometer Kolkata metro rail project, which was fully funded by the central government, and suggested that Andhra Pradesh should receive similar support. He instructed state officials to engage with the central government to expedite the development of metro systems for the state.
The Chief Minister also outlined plans for double-decker metro systems in both Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. In Visakhapatnam, the metro will be constructed along a 15-kilometer stretch from Madhurawada to Tadichettlapalem and a 4-kilometer stretch from Gajuwaka to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. In Vijayawada, a 4.7-kilometer double-decker system will be built from Ramavarappadu Ring to Nidamanuru.
ALSO READ: BJP Appoints Shobha Karandlaje as Election Officer for Telangana
Naidu emphasized that similar double-decker metro systems are already operational in other cities, making this model suitable for Andhra Pradesh. He directed officials to work towards making metro services available to the public in both cities within the next four years.