Special package for Metro rail projects.

The Central government's proposed Special Package to Andhra Pradesh is likely to save the State of over Rs. 10,000 crore burden concerning the two Metro Rail projects in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.

Going by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, the Centre is actively considering the establishment of the Metro Rails in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali urban area. While the total cost of the projects is over Rs 20,000 crore, the external aid component is over Rs. 10,000 crore which will be borne by the Centre once the proposed Special Package is given the final touches and legal sanctity.

As per the Finance Ministry’s commitment letter (posted on the Ministry’s website on September 8) detailing the Special Assistance to Andhra Pradesh announced by the Central Government on September 7, 2016, the Centre is keen on the establishment of the metro rails. The fourth item of the seventh point states, “The Government of India is actively considering proposals for the establishment of the Metro Rail in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali urban area.” Development of rapid rail and road connectivity between the new capital of AP with Hyderabad and other cities in the region is also a part of the commitment noted in the item. Though the proposed commitments are yet to be given legal sanctity, Union I&B Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Y.S. Chowdary, at a couple of public meetings, exuded confidence that A.P. would get more than what was promised as part of Special Category Status.

THE HINDU