AP Forms UMTA to Fast-Track Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project
AP government establishes UMTA to facilitate funding and approvals for Visakhapatnam Metro Rail, expediting land surveys and project execution.
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The Andhra Pradesh government has issued orders to establish a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) to facilitate discussions with the central government regarding the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project. This step is expected to aid in securing necessary approvals and financial assistance from the Centre.
The coalition government has resumed efforts to push forward the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail initiative. The formation of UMTA is a prerequisite for obtaining funds and coordinating with the central authorities. Unlike other metro projects, Visakhapatnam had yet to establish such an authority until now.
A similar UMTA is already in place for the Amaravati Metro Rail project in Vijayawada. As per the government directive, the Chief Secretary of the Municipal Administration Department will lead the newly formed UMTA, with the Commissioner of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) acting as its convener.
Additional members include the Finance Secretary, AP Pollution Control Board Secretary, Transport Commissioner, AP Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director, and District Collectors from Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, and Vizianagaram. Also part of the committee are the CMD of APEPDCL, Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner, and commissioners from Vizianagaram Corporation, Elamanchili Municipality, and Nellimarla Nagara Panchayat. Officials from RTC, Waltair Railway Division, and academicians from Andhra University, JNTU, and RGUKT have been nominated as members.
The Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project’s first phase will span 46.23 km across three corridors, comprising 42 stations. The estimated budget for this phase stands at Rs 11,498 crore.
- Corridor 1: Steel Plant to Kommadi Junction (34.4 km)
- Corridor 2: Gurudwara to Old Post Office (5.07 km)
- Corridor 3: Thatichetlapalem to Chinawaltheru (6.75 km)
With the metro rail corporation finalizing details on land requirements, a survey to identify the necessary plots will begin shortly. The District Collector has formed a special team to oversee land acquisition, which will soon initiate groundwork by visiting designated locations.
The establishment of UMTA is expected to expedite project execution by streamlining coordination between state and central agencies.
