To accelerate major infrastructure development in Visakhapatnam, District Collector M. N. Harendhira Prasad has called for swift land acquisition for the Metro Rail Phase-1 and key railway projects. During a recent review meeting, the Collector emphasized the need for rapid action to prevent delays and ensure smooth project execution.
Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project: Land Requirement and Costs
The Visakhapatnam Metro project is a cornerstone of the city’s public transport modernization plan. The project currently requires close to 100 acres of land, including both private and government-owned parcels.
Two major metro depots, to be developed near the Port Authority and Old Dairy Farm, will each need approximately 40 acres. The land acquisition cost alone is estimated at around ₹890 crore.
Key Railway Projects Awaiting Land Clearances
Several significant railway infrastructure projects in Visakhapatnam are also awaiting land acquisition:
- Development of additional railway lines between Visakhapatnam and Gopalapatnam
- Construction of flyovers near Pendurthi and Simhachalam North
- Road infrastructure development along:
- Duvvada–Simhachalam route
- Vadlapudi Junction
- Gajuwaka–Kanithi corridor
These developments are part of a larger plan to enhance regional connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost the city’s infrastructure capacity.
Official Directives to Expedite Land Acquisition
The Collector instructed concerned departments to:
- Issue land acquisition notices without delay
- Complete Social Impact Assessments (SIA)
- Address compensation-related issues efficiently
He emphasized that inter-departmental coordination and adherence to project deadlines are essential to progress these long-pending projects.
Andhra Pradesh’s Vision for Urban Mobility
These infrastructure initiatives are part of Andhra Pradesh’s broader vision to develop modern, efficient, and sustainable transport systems. With planning and technical assistance from international consultants like SYSTRA (for Visakhapatnam Metro) and TYPSA (for Vijayawada), the state is focused on enhancing urban mobility and promoting economic development.
