Officials of Indian Railways and CII representatives attending a meeting on ‘Rail-led Development for AP’ in Vijayawada on Sunday. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited Managing Director N. Ramakrishna Reddy said that under the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail Project, four corridors covering 76.70 km will be laid to meet the city’s long-term transport needs.
Addressing the CII Vijayawada Annual Meeting here on Sunday (March 8, 2026), Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy said that the Visakhapatnam Metro-cum-four Lane Road Flyover project proposed along National Highway-16 will improve traffic flow by integrating metro infrastructure with road transport.
“The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed to construct 12 flyovers at various junctions along NH-16 passing through Visakhapatnam to ensure smooth flow of freight and passenger traffic,” Metro Rail Corporation MD said.
The Vijayawada Metro Rail project, comprising three corridors of over 66.20 km, planned along the National Highway flyovers, will improve connectivity with Vijayawada, he said.
Railway Board Additional Member (Transport) Devendra Kumar emphasized the need for rapid development of transport in Andhra Pradesh, reducing travel time and improving regional connectivity.
“The introduction of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains offers passengers a modern, comfortable and high-speed transport facility,” said Mr. Devendra Kumar.
Vijayawada Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Mohit Sonakiya highlighted the ongoing development works including modernization of Machilipatnam railway station and strengthening of railway bridges in the division.
Emphasizing the need for integration of rail, road and port connectivity, Mr. Sonakiya said such infrastructure development initiatives will help reduce transport costs, decongest roads and promote sustainable economic growth.
CII Vijayawada Chairman V. Nagalakshmi said an integrated railway, port and industrial ecosystem in the state will improve exports from South India. “With major ports like Visakhapatnam, Krishnapatnam, Gangavaram and Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh is well positioned for export-led growth,” she said.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Advisor (Security Operations) and Chennai Metro Rail Phase-2 General Manager Nanduri Srinivas, Efftronics Systems Private Limited Managing Director D. Ramakrishna and others were present.
Published – March 8, 2026 8:25 PM IST
