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The proposed Visakhapatnam metro rail project has been lingering in the detailed project report (DPR) stage for nearly a decade, facing a series of setbacks and delays. The project was first introduced during the TDP regime, with the initial DPR prepared several years ago. In September 2017, a global 'expression of interest' was floated for the project, which envisioned a route length of 42.5 kilometres, with an estimated cost of 8,300 crore.
Following this, five bidders were shortlisted to move on to the 'request for proposal' stage. Although the bidding process was completed by March 2019, the announcement of the successful bidder was postponed due to impending general elections at that time.
The 2019 elections ushered in a change of leadership, and subsequently, the earlier tenders were retracted. Another blow to the project came when the Export-Import Bank of Korea, a key financing entity, withdrew from the project in 2019, citing its inability to fund it.
To revive the project, a new DPR was formulated, expanding the scope to include additional areas like Bhogapuram. After obtaining the necessary approvals from the state government, the revised DPR needs to be submitted to the central government for viability gap funding.
In a recent development, the state's chief secretary, Dr. K S Jawahar Reddy, chaired a meeting with district officials, including representatives from the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited. He emphasized the need to resolve all technical issues related to the project by January 2024 and expedite its progress.
According to the revised DPR, the estimated cost for the expanded metro project, covering a distance of 76.9 kilometres, stands at 14,309 crore. This estimation doesn't include an additional proposal for nearly 60 kilometres of modern trackless tram corridors in other routes.
The expansion of the project encompasses several new areas that were not part of the original 42.5-kilometer DPR prepared before 2019. These additions, such as Bhogapuram, Anakapalli, Pendurthi, among others, have significantly increased the overall length of the project to nearly 140 kilometres. This comprises around 80 kilometres for the metro and approximately 60 kilometres for the tram corridors.
While the Union government does consider financial assistance for metro rail projects upon request from the respective state governments, the approval and allocation of resources depend on the feasibility of the proposal and the availability of funds. The central government allocated a total of 19,500 crore to various metro projects across the country in the recently released budget for the fiscal year 2023-24.
In conclusion, the Visakhapatnam metro rail project has faced extensive delays and challenges, with the project still in the DPR stage, even after nine years since its initial proposal. The changes in leadership, financing hurdles, and the project's expansion have all contributed to its prolonged development timeline. The upcoming efforts to resolve technical issues and expedite the project's progress are essential steps towards bringing this significant infrastructure project to fruition and improving urban transportation in Visakhapatnam. The central government's support and allocation of funds will play a crucial role in advancing the metro project's prospects.
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