In a meeting with DMRC principal advisor E. Sreedharan today, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked Sreedharan to complete the first phase of Vijayawada Metro Rail Project by August 2018 and Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Proect by December 2018.
Discussing about the funds required for the project, the Chief Minister informed Sreedharan that the project can be be executed with the support of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).
The Chief Minister suggested the DMRC team to prepare a process chart which will enable the government to keep track of the progress of the Metro Rail project on a monthly basis. “We should expedite the process of setting up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) and appoint a permanent officer who will monitor the progress of the project.”
Further, the Chief Minister also suggested Sreedharan and his team of officials to expedite the process of procuring land for the project. On the sidelines, he also asked Sreedharan to explore the possibility of Metro Rail Project for the Capital City of Amaravati.
“We will meet again on 9th September in Vijayawada and decide on when to lay the foundation stone and other issues related to the project,” the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also asked Sreedharan to explore the possibility of Light Road Transport System (LRT) in the state.
Sharing his experiences about his Turkey trip, the Chief Minister said that the traffic management system in the country is efficient. “Their road and rail systems are managed well. “This has not only increase the tourist arrivals in Turkey but also increased the per capital income of the country,” the Chief Minister explained.
Stating that an expert like Sreedharan is required for urban planning in efficient transport management systems in the country, he asked the DMRC team to prepare a report which will estimate the growing population and its transport needs. “I would suggest you visit countries like Turkey and others which have efficient transport systems,” he concluded.