Ganta seeks Metro expansion to Bhogapuram, IT SEZ

Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao on Monday urged authorities to extend the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project to Bhogapuram International Airport and the Rushikonda IT SEZ, stressing the need for seamless connectivity to support the city’s rapid growth.

During a meeting with Metro Rail MD Ramakrishna Reddy, the MLA said extending the Metro line from Kommadi to Bhogapuram would provide crucial last-mile connectivity for air travellers and significantly boost regional development. He pointed out that the proposed Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to emerge as a major gateway for North Andhra, making efficient public transport access essential.

Ganta Srinivasa Rao also emphasised the importance of integrating the Metro network with the Rushikonda IT SEZ, noting that thousands of professionals employed in multinational companies such as TCS, Accenture, and Cognizant would benefit from improved, reliable transit options. Enhanced connectivity, he said, would also help reduce traffic congestion and encourage greater use of public transport.

Responding to the proposal, Ramakrishna Reddy said the Metro project is being planned over a total length of 76.90 km across four corridors, aimed at strengthening urban mobility in Visakhapatnam. He stated that the first phase will cover 46.23 km, with an estimated project cost of ₹11,498 crore.

He added that about ₹882 crore has been earmarked for the acquisition of nearly 100 acres of land required for the project. In addition, 10 flyovers are proposed along National Highway corridors to ease existing traffic bottlenecks and improve overall traffic flow.

Officials noted that the combined Metro and flyover plans are expected to play a key role in modernising Visakhapatnam’s transport infrastructure while supporting future economic and urban expansion.