Game-Changing Metro Projects Finalised for Vijayawada & Visakhapatnam Over 115 km to Be Developed Massive

The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (APMRCL) has finalized Phase 1 of the Vijayawada Metro Rail project, which will include two corridors. Phase 1A will stretch from Gann avaram (Vijayawada Airport) to Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS), while Phase 1B will run from Pneumaturia to PNBS. Together, these corridors will cover a total distance of 38.4 kilometres. Meanwhile, the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project is set to include four corridors.

A Combined length of 76.90 kilometres. These projects mark a major step forward in enhancing urban mobility and connectivity in Andhra Pradesh. In a landmark decision, the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (APMRCL) have formally finalised metro rail projects in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, covering a combined route length exceeding 115 kilometres. Here’s a detailed look by section:

1. Project Approval & DPR Overview

The state approved the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both cities in early December 2024. Vijayawada’s Phase‑I covers 38.40 km across two corridors (Gann avaram PNBS and PNBS → Enamour) at a projected cost of ₹11,009 crore, including ₹1,152 crore for land acquisition (Rail) Visakhapatnam’s Phase‑I spans 46.23 km across three corridors—Steel Plant Junction → Komai (≈34.4 km), Gurudwara Old Post Office (~5.08 km), and Tatichetlapalem → China Walt air (~6.75 km)—with an estimated cost of ₹11,498 crore; Phase‑II adds another 30.67 km, creating a total planned network of 76.90 km.

2. Combined Project Length & Phase Scope

Together, Phase‑I across both cities already exceeds 84 km (38.4 + 46.23). Considering Visakhapatnam’s Phase‑II (~30.7 km) and Vijayawada’s planned Phase‑II corridor (~27.75 km), the total envisaged network amounts to over 115 km, with Andhra Pradesh targeting full implementation within a few years.

3. Funding & Financial Structure

Both projects are being structured under a joint venture model with the State and the Centre each contributing 20 per cent equity, while the remaining 60 per cent is arranged via soft loans from foreign multilateral agencies, such as AIIB, JICA, Kew, AFD, and possibly the World Bank AIIB alone is eyeing ₹6,100 crore for Visakhapatnam and ₹5,900 crore for Vijayawada, totalling ₹12,000 crore in loans.

4. Consultant Selection & Execution Model

At a recent board meeting, APMRCL adopted an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) model using appointed general consultants rather than interim consultants, aiming to save about ₹20 crore per city in preliminary consultancy costs (The Times of India) International consultancies SYSTRA (for Visakhapatnam) and TYPSA (for Vijayawada) were selected via Memorandums of Agreement signed in late July 2025. These firms will oversee planning, design, and construction supervision for Phase‑I in their respective cities.

5. Tenders & Timeline

As of July 25, 2025, APMRCL authorized the e‑tendering process for Phase‑I works in both cities, initially inviting bids covering approximately 40 per cent of the total project value (~₹21,616 crore, combining ₹11,498 crore for Visakhapatnam and ₹10,118 crore for Vijayawada) Tenders for Visakhapatnam were formally published on July 28, covering 46.23 km of elevated viaducts, double‑deck flyover segments and around 42 stations, with a 24‑ to 30‑month completion timeline for various components Vijayawada’s tender was slated to follow within the week after Visakhapatnam’s issue.

6. Comprehensive Mobility Planning (CMP) & Land Acquisition

Both cities underwent Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) updates. Vijayawada completed its CMP by mid‑June 2025, integrating metro lines with existing bus services, new bus stops, and traffic analysis to meet projected needs over the next 25–30 years In Visakhapatnam, CMP updates were overseen by SYSTRA after DPR submission in December 2024, mandated by the Union government given urban changes and evolving travel patterns.

Conclusion

With Phase‑I approvals, detailed financial structures, CMPs in place, EPC model engagement, and active tender issuance—all backed by international financing the Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam metro rail projects are now firmly set in motion. Spanning over 115 km across both cities, these corridors aim to be completed over the next 3 to 4 years, offering transformative urban mobility and sustainable development for Andhra Pradesh.