Andhra Pradesh state government is making laudable efforts to frame metro rail projects. Vizag and Vijayawada Metro Projects are under talks. For funding such ambitious ventures, the state is mobilizing international funds, and foreign banks have already expressed interest in providing finances on loans.
The estimated cost of both metro rail projects totals ₹12,000 crore out of which ₹6,100 crore will be utilized on Vizag Metro and ₹5,900 crore on Vijayawada Metro2. The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) has negotiated with some foreign lending institutions, such as:
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
KfW Bank (Germany)
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) (France)
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
World Bank
New Development Bank (NDB)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
These banks are keen to disburse long-term, low-interest loans to fund the metro projects.
Vizag Metro Rail Project
Extends over 46.23 km in three corridors.
Consists of 42 metro stations.
Will be extended up to Bhogapuram Airport in subsequent phases.
Vijayawada Metro Rail Project
Phase 1 consists of 38.40 km, spread over two corridors:
Gannavaram to PNBS (Pandit Nehru Bus Station)
PNBS to Penamaluru
Consists of 33 stations, one of which is underground.
Government and Bank Talks
APMRC Director Ramakrishna Reddy has been discussing with foreign bank officials, who have visited the area to study the proposed metro corridors2. The loan agreements will be finalized after negotiating with state and central governments.
Impact on Urban Development
The metro project will:
Improve road conditions and ease traffic jams.
Provide improved connectivity between important points.
Provide new economic development with the support of infrastructure expansion.
With the help of state governments and foreign aid, Vijayawada and Vizag metro projects will transform Andhra Pradesh’s urban transport landscape. As the state goes after negotiations, it is gradually moving closer to its vision of speedy, latest metro rail systems.
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