Double-Decker Metro Proposed to Ease Traffic in Visakhapatnam
The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed a double-decker Metro Rail project as a long-term measure to address traffic congestion in Visakhapatnam, instead of constructing flyovers along the national highway.
As per the proposal, road traffic will operate at the lower level, with Metro rail services running above. Similar double-decker Metro systems are in operation in cities such as Nagpur and Chennai.
In the first phase, the project is planned over a length of 46 km across three corridors. The main corridor, extending 34.41 km, will connect the Steel Plant at Kurmannapalem with Kommadi. The second corridor, spanning 5.07 km, will run from Gurudwara to the Old Post Office, while the third corridor of 6.75 km will link Thatichetlapalem with Chinna Waltair.
About 20 km of the proposed Metro network will be developed as a double-decker stretch. This includes a 15 km section between Thatichetlapalem and Kommadi, and a 5 km stretch from Kurmannapalem to Gajuwaka. The Gurudwara–Old Post Office and Thatichetlapalem–Chinna Waltair corridors will operate as conventional Metro lines.
The total cost of the project, including the double-decker component, has been estimated at Rs. 15,000 crore. Of this, 60%, or Rs. 9,000 crore, is proposed to be raised through loans. The remaining 40% will be shared equally by the Centre and the State, with the State’s share of Rs. 3,000 crore proposed to be funded by the Centre, subject to approval.
Sources said the Centre has sought a detailed report on the project’s financial viability, including ridership estimates, revenue projections, operating expenditure, and the expected break-even period. The request follows concerns over the financial performance of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project.
Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament M. Sribharat said the Metro project had received in-principle approval. He said feasibility studies indicated that both flyovers and a Metro system would reduce road traffic by about 9%. He added that road infrastructure works being undertaken by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority, including connectivity to the upcoming Bhogapuram airport, were expected to further ease traffic congestion.
Including improved connectivity to the upcoming Bhogapuram airport is expected to further ease traffic congestion in the city.