AP Cabinet approves revised DPR for Vizag Metro Rail

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the DPR for the proposed Visakhapatnam Light Metro Rail Project.

The project cost was estimated at Rs.14,300 crore two years ago.

Kickstarting the project was delayed inordinately due to several factors leading cost escalation. The BJP leaders have been claiming that the Centre was yet to receive the revised DPR prepared as per New Metro Policy for viability gap funding.

The Cabinet decisions assume significance as elections are scheduled in next few months amid uncertainty over shifting certain government offices from Amaravati to Visakhapatnam as part of making it the executive capital.

The Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Y.D. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday evening decided to begin distribution of 4.35 lakh tabs worth Rs.638 crore to students of class 8 from December 21. This coincides with the birthday of the Chief Minister. The tabs will have loaded AI tools.

Besides approving the reforms introduced in the granting of caste and income certificates, the Cabinet also decided to establish Additional District Sessions Court at Tadepalligudem in West Godavari district, enhance DA by 15 percent to police personnel working in anti-Naxal operations and pay DA and DR to working and retired court staff on par with central Government staff.

The Cabinet has decided to appoint cricketer Ambati Rayudu and other sportspersons as brand ambassadors for the sports festival Adudam Andhra for which 1. 1 crore registrations have been received so far. The festival will run for 51 days.