Visakhapatnam Metro| Proposed

VISAKHAPATNAM: While Hyderabad Metro Rail project doesn't seem to go on rails in the near future, the port city could have a metro network of its own in the coming three years if everything goes as per plan.

A Switzerland-based international company, Smart Network, has come forward to build the rail system in three phases in Vizag to offer better transport facilities and ensure hassle-free commuting for passengers. Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) commissioner B Ramanjaneyulu told TOI that the Swiss firm has evinced keen interest to put in place the rail network.

"We have asked them to submit the detailed project report (DPR). Once they come with that, we will call for tenders. We would also seek permission of the state and central governments before going ahead with the project," he said. A technical committee from Switzerland would visit the city soon to carry out feasibility studies and structural surveys.

The GVMC chief said that Vizag desperately needs a rail network that would ease traffic congestion. "Notwithstanding the population boom, vehicles are increasing every year," he pointed out.

Sources said the authorities are looking at investments of Rs 10,000 crore in each phase for the new metro rail. Smart CEO D Sridhar, who visited the city on Saturday, expressed his desire to set up the rail network. "We requested the authorities to examine the possibilities of constructing metro or mono or light rail systems in the city. We have vast experience in constructing metro rail networks in European countries," he said.

This project would be taken up under build, operate and transfer (BOT) mode. Before going ahead, GVMC will have to pass a resolution in the council. Sources said the Swiss company would give a power-point presentation to the municipal administration minister and senior officials soon.

"GVMC would not spend a single rupee as Smart Network would provide technology and fund the project," an official stated.

Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), a dedicated bus line system, with funding of JNNURM is already being planned for the city. Out of the eight corridors proposed for BRTS, work on two corridors is under way. "If metro rail comes to the city, the transport system would be trouble-free for the commuters," a resident of MVP Colony said.

Sources said the first phase would be within the core area of the greater city spread over 534 sq km. Peripheral areas like Bhimili, Anakapalli and nearest places of Viziangaram would be covered in the second phase and Tuni in East Godavari and some areas in Srikakulam would be brought under the metro rail network in the third phase. Officials said each station will have shopping malls and business establishments for the benefit of passengers.

As per estimates, the greater city population, which is now 20 lakh, would reach one crore by 2040. "If everything goes well, the city will have the metro rail system by the end of 2015," Ramanjaneyulu added.

sorce:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Metro-rail-for-port-city-on-the-cards/articleshow/10636753.cms

How exciting!!

Please post some details, like a projected map, and other technical details as far as possible.

VISAKHAPATNAM: While Hyderabad Metro Rail project doesn't seem to go on rails in the near future, the port city could have a metro network of its own in the coming three years if everything goes as per plan.

A Switzerland-based international company, Smart Network, has come forward to build the rail system in three phases in Vizag to offer better transport facilities and ensure hassle-free commuting for passengers. Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) commissioner B Ramanjaneyulu told TOI that the Swiss firm has evinced keen interest to put in place the rail network.

"We have asked them to submit the detailed project report (DPR). Once they come with that, we will call for tenders. We would also seek permission of the state and central governments before going ahead with the project," he said. A technical committee from Switzerland would visit the city soon to carry out feasibility studies and structural surveys.

The GVMC chief said that Vizag desperately needs a rail network that would ease traffic congestion. "Notwithstanding the population boom, vehicles are increasing every year," he pointed out.

Sources said the authorities are looking at investments of Rs 10,000 crore in each phase for the new metro rail. Smart CEO D Sridhar, who visited the city on Saturday, expressed his desire to set up the rail network. "We requested the authorities to examine the possibilities of constructing metro or mono or light rail systems in the city. We have vast experience in constructing metro rail networks in European countries," he said.

This project would be taken up under build, operate and transfer (BOT) mode. Before going ahead, GVMC will have to pass a resolution in the council. Sources said the Swiss company would give a power-point presentation to the municipal administration minister and senior officials soon.

"GVMC would not spend a single rupee as Smart Network would provide technology and fund the project," an official stated.

Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), a dedicated bus line system, with funding of JNNURM is already being planned for the city. Out of the eight corridors proposed for BRTS, work on two corridors is under way. "If metro rail comes to the city, the transport system would be trouble-free for the commuters," a resident of MVP Colony said.

Sources said the first phase would be within the core area of the greater city spread over 534 sq km. Peripheral areas like Bhimili, Anakapalli and nearest places of Viziangaram would be covered in the second phase and Tuni in East Godavari and some areas in Srikakulam would be brought under the metro rail network in the third phase. Officials said each station will have shopping malls and business establishments for the benefit of passengers.

As per estimates, the greater city population, which is now 20 lakh, would reach one crore by 2040. "If everything goes well, the city will have the metro rail system by the end of 2015," Ramanjaneyulu added.

sorce:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Metro-rail-for-port-city-on-the-cards/articleshow/10636753.cms
way to go Visakhapatnam! :cheers:
even if it takes a couple of years more - good to start thinking ahead! :cheers:

Awesome, way to go Vizag!

It should not be practical to start a metro service here just now. It must not before 2015.

Meanwhile, it could make a light-rail or monorail, for a true profitable service.

Visakhapatnam: The Vizag civic body staff are awaiting a nod from the state government to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for introduction of metro rail in the city. Following the announcement of Metro Rail policy in the beginning of the year by the Union government, the GVMC staff here prepared a report having details about the cost to be incurred to prepare a DPR for a 20-km stretch, the present and projected population besides vehicular movement.

The GVMC estimated that it would cost at least Rs 8 lakh per kilometer to prepare a DPR. For the initial 20-km stretch, it costs Rs 1.6 crore, just to prepare a DPR. Both the state and union governments would equally share the total cost to prepare the DPR. It is estimated that there are around 6 lakh two-wheelers and four-wheelers plying on the city roads, having two million population. It is projected that the population would touch around 1 crore by 2045.

Union Minister for Urban Development, Kamalnath, earlier said that since the metro rail is a matter related to the Union, it has been decided that all such projects in the country, whether within one municipal area or beyond, shall be taken up under the Central Metro Acts. There are metros in Kolkata, Delhi, and Bangalore. Metro works are in progress in several cities including Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and Kochi.

“It’s at the initial stage. We have written to the state government about the cost that would be incurred to prepare a DPR for a 20-km stretch, which is about Rs 1.6 crore. After we get a nod, we will start preparing a DPR which may take roughly 6-8 months and then there will be a feasibility test,” GVMC additional commissioner (projects), B. Nagendra Kumar said.