The Andhra Pradesh government has greenlit the first phases of metro rail projects for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, with a combined investment of Rs 22,507 crore.

Visakhapatnam's metro project will cost Rs 11,498 crore, featuring three corridors in Phase-I spanning 46.23 km with 42 stations. It will require 99.75 acres of land at a cost of Rs 882 crore. Phase-II will extend the network to 76.90 km, by introducing additional corridor to Bhogapuram, using a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with an outlay of Rs 14,309 crore. The Centre will fund 40 percent of the project, while private developers would cover the remaining.

The Vijayawada metro project, valued at Rs 11,009 crore, will include two corridors in Phase-I totaling 38.40 km with 34 stations. Rs 1,152 crore is earmarked for land acquisition. Phase-II will include a third corridor linking PNBS to Amaravati's Reservoir Station in future development phases.

Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been prepared for both projects and await the Centre's approval. These projects aim to enhance urban connectivity, reduce congestion, and foster regional growth.