New Transport Body Set Up For Vizag Metro Region

Visakhapatnam: The State Government has constituted a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) for Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region to ensure effective implementation and coordination of the various traffic and transportation measures undertaken by the functional departments and public agencies of VMR Development Authority (VMRDA). UMTA will come into force from February 24.

The decision assumes significance in view of the decision to speed up work on the first phase of Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project. The first phase is envisaged at a revised cost of Rs11,498 crore. As the construction of Bhogapuram International Airport is continuing at brisk pace, there has been demand to improve connectivity to Bhogapuram from the city. Governor Justice (retd) S Abdul Nazeer in the address to the budget session of legislature stated that the Metro Rail project for the city will be completed by 2029.

The suggestion for UMTA was made by the Metropolitan Commissioner sometime ago. Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region spreads over a distance of 6501.65 sq. km.

Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development will be the Chairman of UMTA. The Metropolitan Commissioner will be the Member-Convener.