MINISTER NARAYANA TO CENTRESpeed up decision-making process over AP Metro projects

Andhra Pradesh Municipal and Urban Development Minister, Ponguru Narayana, has urged Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to expedite the decision-making process on the proposed metro rail projects for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. This request was made during a meeting on the second day of Narayana’s visit to Delhi on Tuesday, where he was accompanied by Anil Kumar Singhal, Special Chief Secretary for Municipal and Urban Development.
The metro rail proposals were initially drafted during the tenure of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government from 2014 to 2019 and had previously attracted attention at the central level. Detailed project reports (DPRs) were prepared in 2015, and consultations with the central government took place at that time. However, after the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) came to power, progress on the projects stalled.
Minister Narayana presented the revised proposals to Union Minister Khattar, urging swift action on the initiatives originally introduced by the TDP administration. In addition to discussing the metro rail for Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, Narayana highlighted the proposal to extend the Vijayawada Metro to connect with the capital city, Amaravati.
A significant portion of the meeting also focused on the implementation of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2 scheme in Andhra Pradesh. The previous TDP government initiated several development works under the AMRUT scheme, but the current YSRCP administration has not continued many of these projects. According to Narayana, the state’s failure to release its share of the funds has led to a halt in the scheme’s implementation for the past five years.
Minister Narayana appealed for the revival of the AMRUT scheme, emphasizing the need for ongoing development in the state’s municipalities. In response, Union Minister Khattar expressed a positive outlook on the proposals and assured that the matter would be addressed.
The renewed momentum in the state’s metro rail and urban development projects marks a crucial step for Andhra Pradesh’s infrastructure growth, with potential benefits for both Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.
MPs Balashowry and Lavu Sri Krishnadevarayalu were also present during the two-day visit to Delhi.
_________________