Vizag Metro push gathers pace; officials’ absence raises concerns
The State government’s fresh push to move the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project forward has sparked debate over the limited presence of senior officials in the city. Stakeholders say stronger on-ground leadership is essential for smooth coordination and timely execution.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has intensified his outreach in Delhi to secure financial and policy support. The Centre had promised the metro project during the State’s bifurcation. Officials acknowledge the project may not deliver quick returns, but they stress its importance for Visakhapatnam’s long-term urban development.
The Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation Limited (AMRCL), created under the earlier Telugu Desam Party government, took charge of metro projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Progress slowed under the YSR Congress Party government as administrative priorities shifted.
In 2020, AMRCL opened its regional office in Visakhapatnam and later announced leadership changes. The corporation also floated ideas such as driverless metro trains and a monorail corridor along Beach Road. Despite these proposals, visible progress remained limited.
After the coalition government assumed office, the project regained momentum. AMRCL proposed a double-decker metro model and submitted a detailed project report to the Centre for funding consideration.
To cut rental costs, AMRCL shifted its Visakhapatnam office from the LIC building near the RTC Complex to VMRDA’s Udyog Bhavan in Siripuram. Authorities reinstated the former Managing Director, while the serving official became Joint MD.
However, both senior officials currently operate from Amaravati, AMRCL’s headquarters. The Visakhapatnam office continues to function as a regional centre.
The matter came up at a recent VMRDA review meeting on fund mobilisation, which the Managing Director did not attend. With land acquisition and public outreach activities now in progress, stakeholders warn that the absence of key decision-makers in Visakhapatnam could slow the project’s pace.