The detailed project report (DPR) for Vizag Metro, finalised by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), awaits the approval of the State Cabinet.
Though it was believed that the Cabinet that met on Saturday would give its nod, the issue did not figure in the subjects approved.
It may come up in the Cabinet meetings later this month, say sources.
Appraisal
After the Cabinet approval, the DPR will go for appraisal to the Central Government.
The Urban Transport wing of the Ministry of Urban Development will take up the appraisal to know, among others, whether the guidelines are adhered to, financial viability, required population.
However, even as the appraisal goes on, tenders are likely to be called for the work, it is reliably learnt.
While the DPR for Vijayawada Metro was submitted to the State Government in April, the Cabinet accorded its approval in June. The DPR for Vizag Metro was submitted in the second of week of September.
The 42-km Metro Rail on three corridors is estimated to cost Rs.12,727 crore.
The Chief Minister wants at least the first phase in Visakhapatnam to be completed by 2018.
In the first phase, the 30-km corridor on the national highway from Madhurawada to Gajuwaka, is likely to be taken up as it does not require any land acquisition.
The three Metro Rail corridors will have 41 stations, at the rate of almost one per km.
The stations have been located keeping in view the nature of short trips in the city.
The DPR estimated that the per capita trip length — the distance a citizen commutes on an average every day — is 7.6 km per day.
The peak hour peak direction traffic — that indicates the capacity of a metro — is estimated to be between 7,000 and 9,000, it is learnt.
In all, 22 rakes, each comprising three coaches, are to be run initially.
Each rake carries around 600 persons. The rakes will finally be extended to six coaches.
