DMRC bags metro rail project in Vijayawada

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The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will implement the ambitious Vijayawada Metro Rail Project, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced here today.

"The state government has handed over the Vijayawada metro rail project to the DMRC. The first tender for civil works under the project will be called by DMRC next week," Naidu, flanked by Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, DMRC also submitted a Detailed Project Report of Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project to state government. The chief minister said he has set year 2018 as the deadline for completion of Vijaywada metro rail project. Vijayawada is the part of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region.

"Vijayawada Metro Rail project has two corridors with a distance of 26.03 kms and is estimated to cost Rs 6,769 crore," Chandrababu said, adding that state government decided to take up the project with the support of central government as it is "not feasible" for private players.

An SPV will be constituted to take up the project, he said. The chief minister informed that DMRC has handed over the DPR on Visakhaptanam Metro Project to government.

"The Visakhapatnam Metro project will have three corridors. Initially, it was decided to run the project to a distance of 34.91 km but was extended to 42.55 km. As a result of which its cost has increased," he said.

Naidu said the Vishakhapatnam metro project will also be handed over to DMRC after Cabinet gives its approval.

"The first phase of the project will be completed by December, 2018 and another SUV will be formed for its implementation," he added.

Addressing reporters, Venkaiah Naidu said implementation of metro projects for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam is as per the promise given under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

"The Centre has made an exemption of the 20 lakh population norm for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam cities (for metro projects) because it had promised implementation of the projects under the AP Reorganisation Act. Union government is now considering to finalise funding agency (for the projects)," Venkaiah said.

The Union Minister said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has shown interest in funding the two projects.

He also announced construction of a high speed train corridor between Vijayawada and Guntur at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore instead of extending the Vijayawada metro rail project to Guntur.

"I discussed the high speed rail project with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu," Venkaiah said, adding that the second phase of Vijayawada metro rail project would be extended to Gannavaram airport.

Former DMRC MD and adviser to Andhra Pradesh on metro rail projects, E Sreedharan was also present, apart from Andhra Pradesh ministers.