Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh govt is optimistic that the significant increase in Centre’s funding for metro rail projects will accelerate the development of metro networks in the state.
With recent directives issued to district collectors to expedite land acquisition for the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro projects, officials believe the enhanced budgetary support will boost implementation speed.
In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Centre allocated 31,239 crore for metro rail projects nationwide, a notable increase from 24,785.94 crore in the previous financial year. Union govt aims to expand the metro network across the country over the next three years, leading to higher funding allocations this year.
Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) managing director NP Ramakrishna Reddy welcomed the budget announcement, highlighting a significant change in the central funding mechanism. Unlike in previous years, where specific allocations were made for individual projects like the Vijayawada Metro or Hyderabad Metro expansion, the new budget streamlines funding.
“In the past, funds were designated separately for each metro project, leading to lapses if unused. Some states overspent beyond the allocated amounts. Now, under the new system, funds will be reimbursed once utilisation certificates are submitted, ensuring efficient use of resources,” he said.
Ramakrishna Reddy also expressed confidence that the enhanced allocations would accelerate the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects.
With recent directives issued to district collectors to expedite land acquisition for the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro projects, officials believe the enhanced budgetary support will boost implementation speed.
In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Centre allocated 31,239 crore for metro rail projects nationwide, a notable increase from 24,785.94 crore in the previous financial year. Union govt aims to expand the metro network across the country over the next three years, leading to higher funding allocations this year.
Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (APMRC) managing director NP Ramakrishna Reddy welcomed the budget announcement, highlighting a significant change in the central funding mechanism. Unlike in previous years, where specific allocations were made for individual projects like the Vijayawada Metro or Hyderabad Metro expansion, the new budget streamlines funding.
“In the past, funds were designated separately for each metro project, leading to lapses if unused. Some states overspent beyond the allocated amounts. Now, under the new system, funds will be reimbursed once utilisation certificates are submitted, ensuring efficient use of resources,” he said.
Ramakrishna Reddy also expressed confidence that the enhanced allocations would accelerate the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects.
