After years of prolonged delays and shifting political priorities, the long-anticipated Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project in Andhra Pradesh is finally advancing towards implementation.Initially proposed in 2014 under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the project is now gaining momentum. The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (APMRCL) has conducted a pre-bid meeting and issued tenders to appoint a consultancy firm responsible for planning, tendering, supervision, and execution.The selected consultancy is expected to be announced on 9 June, marking a crucial milestone towards the construction phase. The revised total cost of the project is now estimated at Rs 114.98 billion, aligned with 2024 market valuations.Despite receiving in-principle approval from the Union Government in 2015, the project saw multiple postponements under both the TDP and YSRCP governments. The TDP had prepared the initial project plan but delayed tendering due to the 2019 election code. After coming to power, the YSRCP cancelled those tenders, opted for a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR), and attempted to widen the project’s scope—yet little ground was made in five years.Now, with the TDP-led NDA alliance in power at both the state and central levels, the project has been revived in earnest. The state is seeking 100 per cent funding from the Union Government, leveraging its political alignment.A pre-bid meeting conducted on Tuesday saw interest from 28 consultancy firms—14 attended in person, while 8 joined virtually. Tender submissions close on 8 June, with finalisation the next day.Phase 1 of the project will cover 46.23 kilometres over three corridors and include 42 metro stations. A future extension is planned to connect the network with Bhogapuram Airport.Land acquisition has begun, with 99.8 acres identified—most of it publicly owned. The land acquisition cost is estimated at Rs 8.82 billion. A district-level committee is coordinating the acquisition process.The metro is expected to improve urban mobility, reduce congestion, and stimulate economic growth in Visakhapatnam. With the Bhogapuram Airport project also underway, the metro system is set to complement broader infrastructure development and reinforce the city’s status as Andhra Pradesh’s commercial hub.Image source:hyderabadmail