Revised DPR for Vizag Metro Rail ready

Visakhapatnam: The revised master plan for Vizag Metro Rail Project at a cost of Rs.14,309 crore is ready, said AP Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) Managing Director U.J.M. Rao on Saturday.

Addressing a meeting organised by Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) here, he said the project named 'Vizag Metro Rail-Smart Public Transport' will be implemented in phases. He said once launched, it will take about five years for completion.

Rao said that in view of the increasing population of Visakhapatnam and the growing requirements for the future, the extension of the metro rail up to Bhogapuram and a tram corridor from the city to Bheemunipatnam, a revised DPR has been prepared. He said it will be presented to the government shortly.

As per the new DPR the proposed Vizag Metro Project's cost is estimated at Rs.14,309 crore covering a length of 76.9 kilometres with 54 stoppages including two depos. It will have three corridors viz Vizag Steel Plant Kurmannapalem junction to Bhogapuram International Airport, Gurudwara to Old Post Office and Thatichetlapalem to RK Beach (Chinna Waltair) covering a stretch of 76.90 km. He pointed out that there is a chance to make some changes before getting final approvals from the Central Government.

Rao said that the State Government is very keen to implement the project as early as possible. He mentioned that metro rail is eco-friendly, facilitating travel at a lesser time and spending a low amount with scope for zero accidents. He said that in most of the cities where metro rail is implemented, the GDP has gone up substantially.

PRSI city chapter chairman P.L.K. Murthy, vice chairman R.P. Sharma, secretary M.K.V.L. Narasimham, PRSI South India vice-president U.S. Sarma, treasurer N.V. Narasimham and others participated.