GVMC Pushes Metro-Style Electric Transit to Decongest BRTS Corridor

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ketan Garg has initiated steps to introduce a high-capacity Electric Rapid Transit (e-RT) system on the city’s congested BRTS corridor, in a move aimed at modernising public transport and easing severe traffic congestion.

During an inspection at Pendurthi Junction on Thursday, the Commissioner reviewed the proposed corridor between Pendurthi and Convent Junction, one of the city’s most traffic-choked stretches where commuters regularly face long delays.

The joint inspection was conducted with senior officials from GVMC, the traffic police, the revenue department, and representatives of Switzerland-based HESS Green Mobility India Pvt. Ltd., which is collaborating on the project.

The proposed e-RT system will feature metro-style electric buses operating on dedicated lanes, designed to offer faster, high-frequency, and pollution-free public transport. Technical experts said the buses can carry over 240 passengers and operate up to 23 hours a day, making them suitable for high-density urban routes.

Officials also examined key implementation aspects, including route alignment, station locations, lane demarcation, and power infrastructure requirements.

The system is expected to reduce dependence on private vehicles and significantly cut emissions along the corridor.

To accelerate planning, the Commissioner directed officials to hold an inter-departmental coordination meeting involving APSRTC, Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited, the traffic police, and revenue authorities to finalise the project framework and execution plan.