VIJAYAWADA: The process of examination of the much-anticipated Vijayawada metro rail project has begun from scratch yet again with Systra Group initiating groundwork for preparation of the detailed project report (DPR). A delegation from the France-based group met Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation (AMRC) officials on Wednesday seeking details regarding the city and its infrastructure.
AMRC said the delegation visited several regions in the city where the light metro rail works are proposed. “The delegation sought details for the preparation of the DPR and, as such, we have provided the necessary information. The DPR preparation has begun,” AMRC MD NP Ramakrishna Reddy said. It is already known that the Germany’s KfW bank is looking forward to providing financial assistance for the readying of the metro rail report.
The DPR, to be prepared in compliance with Metro Rail Policy--2017, is expected to be ready by September. “The DPR, once ready, will be sent for approval to the Union government. Following which, we will invite the expression of interest (EOI) cum request for quotation (RFQ) to identify a contractor for the project, which may take another six months or so,” an official explained, inferring that the civil works of the project will take off only in the second half of 2019.
Once ready, this would be the second DRP report for the Vijayawada metro project for the project. The first proposal was rejected by the Public Investment Board citing that it was unviable. For the record, the Vijayawada metro project has mostly been subject to controversy. While the Union government had delayed giving approval to the project, before finally rejecting it, it also faced wrath of farmers of Nidamanuru -- where a coach depot-cum-workshop was planned in 60 acres, who opposed the project.
Even though the officials are contemplating public private partnership (PPP) mode for the project, they retorted that State may seeks Centre’s assistance also. “We will try for tapping as much financial assistance as possible from the Centre. If not, we will go ahead with PPP,” AMRC said.