Vijayawada, India (Metro Rail Today): On January 30, 2025, the Andhra Pradesh Government initiated the process of land acquisition for the highly anticipated Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects. The state government issued formal orders to the Collectors of Visakhapatnam and NTR districts, instructing the respective officers to submit the required details to proceed with publishing notifications, in line with legal requirements.
The Phase-I development of both metro projects was approved in December 2024, with an estimated total cost of ₹11,498 crore for Visakhapatnam and ₹11,009 crore for Vijayawada. These projects are part of a broader initiative to enhance public transport infrastructure in the state.
Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project: This metro project will span a total of 46.23 km across three key corridors: Steel Plant Gate to Kommadi, Gurudwara to Old Post Office, and Thatichetlapalem to Chinna Waltair. To facilitate the development of this network, the project requires 99.75 acres of land, with an estimated acquisition cost of ₹882 crore.
Vijayawada Metro Rail Project: The Vijayawada metro system will cover 38.40 km, consisting of two major corridors – from Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS) to Gannavaram, and from PNBS to Penamaluru. This project requires 91 acres of land, with a projected acquisition cost of ₹1,152 crore.
Both metro projects are expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in these major cities, while also improving connectivity and contributing to overall urban development. The metro systems will enhance the daily commute for thousands of residents and commuters, supporting Andhra Pradesh's growing urbanization and economic expansion.
As the state moves forward with land acquisition, local authorities are expected to collaborate closely with the rail and urban development departments to ensure the smooth progression of these high-impact projects. The successful completion of these projects could serve as a catalyst for further urban transit developments across the state.
Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro projects as Andhra Pradesh continues to invest in modernizing its infrastructure.