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Green Signal for Vizag Metro: Central Government Approves Much-Awaited Rail Project

In a major development for Andhra Pradesh’s urban infrastructure, the Central Government has officially granted in-principle approval for the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project. This breakthrough occurred during a high-level meeting in Delhi between Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar. The project is designed to tackle the city’s rapidly growing traffic congestion and provide a sustainable, modern transport solution for its expanding population and burgeoning IT and industrial sectors.

The proposed metro network is expected to span approximately 76.9 kilometers across three main corridors. The primary route will connect the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant to Kommadi, serving as the city’s backbone, while additional lines will link Gurudwara to the Old Post Office and Thatichetlapalem to Chinna Waltair (RK Beach). This comprehensive network aims to integrate major residential, commercial, and tourist hubs, significantly reducing travel time and vehicle emissions across the coastal city.

While the Vizag project has secured the green light, discussions regarding a similar metro system for Vijayawada are also progressing, with officials optimistic about receiving clarity soon. The state government now plans to move forward with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aiming to begin construction by October 2026. This project is seen as a cornerstone of the Chief Minister’s vision to transform Visakhapatnam into a global hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology.

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