APMRC appoints Consultants for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro Rail Projects

Vijayawada, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development toward enhancing urban mobility in Andhra Pradesh, the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) on Friday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with globally renowned consultancy firms TIPSA and SYSTRA. The agreements aim to provide expert design, supervision, and execution support for the long-awaited Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Projects. The signing ceremony took place at the APCRDA office in Vijayawada, in the esteemed presence of Dr. P Narayana, Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development.

As per the agreement, TIPSA will lead the design and supervision responsibilities for the Vijayawada Metro, while SYSTRA will provide technical advisory and execution oversight for the Visakhapatnam Metro, bringing global best practices to these strategically vital urban infrastructure initiatives. These projects are being executed in alignment with the promises made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, with the State government committing to deliver world-class transport systems to its rapidly growing urban population.

Dr. Narayana emphasized that the current government is fast-tracking the metro projects to make up for delays under the previous administration. He revealed the funding model for the metro development, stating that 20% of the cost will be borne by the Central Government, another 20% by the State, and the remaining 60% will be secured through low-interest loans facilitated by the Centre. This balanced financial structure is expected to make the projects both feasible and financially sustainable.

Visakhapatnam Metro Phase 1, spanning 46.23 km, has already seen tenders invited. Meanwhile, the 35.04 km Phase 1 of Vijayawada Metro is set to float its tenders in the coming weeks. Notably, to optimize available space and minimize land acquisition challenges, double-decker metro corridors have been planned — with 20 km in Visakhapatnam and 4.7 km in Vijayawada, signaling a forward-thinking approach in urban transport design.

Commenting on the milestone, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, remarked, “The collaboration with global leaders like TIPSA and SYSTRA demonstrates Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to delivering transformative, efficient, and sustainable metro systems. These projects will not only ease traffic and reduce pollution but will also be a catalyst for economic growth and urban development in the state.”

The metro rail systems in both cities are expected to dramatically improve connectivity, reduce road congestion, and foster transit-oriented development. As urban centers in India continue to expand, the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro projects serve as pioneering models for other states aiming to modernize their urban transport infrastructure with international collaboration and integrated planning.