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The Andhra Pradesh government will begin construction of the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project in October 2025, with a double-decker model proposed to meet rising transport demands. A semi-ring road is also planned to improve connectivity, especially to the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport, with 15 of 22 approach roads already approved. In housing, INR 7,000 crore has been allocated to complete pending TIDCO homes, prioritizing women beneficiaries by Dasara. Under the AMRUT scheme, INR 834 crore is being invested in water supply projects. At a VMRDA review, key concerns like sanitation, water shortages, and infrastructure gaps were addressed, reflecting a holistic push for urban development.
The Andhra Pradesh government is set to commence construction of the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project in October 2025. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana confirmed that a detailed project report (DPR) has been submitted, proposing a double-decker metro model to address the city's growing transportation needs. Advertisement
To complement the metro project, plans are underway to construct a semi-ring road around Visakhapatnam, similar to Hyderabad's ring road, to improve traffic flow and connectivity. This infrastructure aims to facilitate access to the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport, expected to be operational by next year. Out of 22 proposed roads for airport connectivity, 15 have already received government approval.
In addition to transportation projects, the government is prioritizing housing development. Minister Narayana highlighted that between 2014 and 2019, seven lakh houses were proposed under the TIDCO housing scheme, but only around 57,000 were completed. To address this shortfall, approximately INR 7,000 crore has been allocated to complete the remaining units, with a focus on providing homes to women beneficiaries by the upcoming Dasara festival.
Water supply is another critical area of focus. Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, projects worth INR 834 crore are currently underway to ensure surface water supply to households.These initiatives follow the reallocation of funds previously returned due to the state's failure to provide the required matching grant.
During a recent review meeting at the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) office, various urban development initiatives were discussed. These include revisions to the VMRDA master plan 2041, coastal erosion mitigation projects, and the implementation of a 4/6/8-lane axis semi-ring road from Bhogapuram to Ramb.
Local MLAs raised concerns about water supply shortages, sanitation challenges in hilly areas, and the need to honor land deeds collected from the poor. They urged the minister to ensure the completion. Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) water pipeline works, install additional water tanks, and provide more waste collection vehicles and to improve sanitation.
The Andhra Pradesh government's comprehensive approach to urban development in Visakhapatnam encompasses transportation, housing, and water supply projects. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life for residents and support the city's growth as a major urban center in the region.
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