Visakhapatnam Metro Project Under Review by the Centre

Visakhapatnam: Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana stated on Sunday that the state government is pressing ahead with key urban infrastructure projects and administrative reforms, despite facing severe financial constraints. Addressing a press conference in Visakhapatnam, he noted that Andhra Pradesh comprises over 90 municipalities and nine municipal corporations, and the government is focusing on the optimal utilization of existing assets and the expansion of revenue sources to strengthen these Urban Local Bodies. To enhance administrative efficiency, Joint Collectors have been appointed as Special Officers for all municipal corporations.
Narayana mentioned that the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project is currently under review by the Central Government. Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) is conducting a feasibility study, which is expected to be completed within two months. Once the study is finalized, the government plans to fast-track the project and complete its construction within three years. To mobilize investments for urban infrastructure, a regional workshop is being organized under the ‘Urban Investment Window’ (UWIN) initiative, featuring participation from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. This platform will focus on raising funds through capital markets, municipal bonds, and other financial instruments, while also providing technical and financial guidance for projects in sectors such as water supply, sanitation, transport, and housing.
The Minister noted that the construction of over 20,000 houses had stalled during the tenure of the previous YSRC government. The current administration is working to restart and accelerate these projects; the construction of thousands of houses is already underway, with a target set to complete 2.6 lakh houses by June. Narayana also announced plans to construct a ‘Semi-Ring Road’ around Visakhapatnam, modeled after Hyderabad’s ‘Outer Ring Road,’ which will stretch from Rambilli to Bhogapuram. He stated that previous hurdles regarding forest land have been resolved following discussions with Chief Minister Chandrababu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Referring to alleged irregularities in the allocation of ‘one-cent’ land plots during the previous government’s tenure, Narayana noted that a vigilance inquiry is underway and gave an assurance that this would not impact the development works being undertaken in the public interest.