Andhra Pradesh Metro Seeks DPR for Double-Decker Flyover-Cum-Metro in Vizag & Vijayawada.

The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (APMRCL) has taken a significant step towards innovative urban infrastructure by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to engage a consultant for preparing a combined Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a unique double-decker structure featuring a four-lane flyover integrated with a metro rail line. This ambitious initiative forms part of Phase 1 of the metro rail projects planned for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

According to APMRCL, the selected consultant will be responsible for developing comprehensive DPRs for these double-decker flyover-cum-metro rail systems. The proposed length for Visakhapatnam spans 20.16 km (comprising a 15.1 km stretch and an additional 5.06 km), while the Vijayawada section covers 4.7 km. These DPRs will be submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for their approval. Furthermore, the consultant will provide ongoing assistance to both APMRCL and NHAI throughout the DPR approval process with MoRTH.

It is noteworthy that the Andhra Pradesh state government had previously approved DPRs for the initial phase of metro rail construction in both cities, outlining three corridors covering 46.23 km in Visakhapatnam and 38.40 km in Vijayawada. In Visakhapatnam, the first metro rail corridor is planned to extend 34 km along NH-16, connecting Kommadi Junction to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant gate. Similarly, in Vijayawada, the first corridor will cover 4.7 km along NH-16, linking Ramavarappadu Junction to Nidamanuru.

Concurrently, NHAI had conducted a feasibility study for the development of 12 new flyovers across various junctions from Madhurawada to Lankapalem in Visakhapatnam, along with a new flyover from Ramavarappadu Junction to Nidamanuru in Vijayawada. Recognizing the potential for synergy and efficiency, the state government and NHAI have decided to integrate the metro and flyover projects into a space-saving and cost-effective two-layer, double-decker flyover system.

An agreement has been reached wherein the construction costs for the double-decker flyover will be jointly shared by APMRCL and NHAI, with APMRCL acting as the single executing agency for the integrated project. Interested consultants are required to submit their proposals by 3:00 pm on May 14th, with the opening of the proposals scheduled for 3:30 pm on the same day. The selected consultant will be expected to deliver the combined DPRs within six weeks from the date of receiving the Letter of Acceptance (LoA), paving the way for these innovative transit solutions in Andhra Pradesh's key urban centers.