Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: A crucial meeting to discuss the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region was convened by District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The discussion was held in connection with the proposed Metro Rail project for the city.
Representatives from SYSTRA, a consultancy firm specializing in metro rail projects, presented the key components of the mobility plan. Their presentation included insights into various aspects of urban transportation, such as underpasses, and other critical infrastructure elements necessary for enhancing the city’s transit system.
The Comprehensive Mobility Plan aims to develop a long-term strategy for Visakhapatnam, focusing on ensuring safe, affordable, and clean mobility for residents and tourists, thereby improving the overall quality of life. This plan is designed to support the city’s economic growth by providing efficient transportation solutions.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the original Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Visakhapatnam was prepared in 2018 and had a validity of five years. As this plan required revision to reflect current traffic patterns, evolving mobility needs, and infrastructural demands, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated the process for its update. This revision is considered vital for the successful implementation of the proposed metro rail project and the broader public transportation network within Visakhapatnam.
The Centre had previously requested the Andhra Pradesh government to update the CMP submitted with the Visakhapatnam metro rail project proposal, emphasizing that the CMP is a prerequisite for the project’s appraisal and approval by the Union government. The state government had proposed a 76.9 km light metro rail project in Visakhapatnam, estimated to cost approximately ₹14,300 crore, to be developed under a public-private partnership model.
Previous iterations of the CMP have outlined a multi-pronged urban transport strategy. These strategies are aimed at creating a sustainable, low-carbon, and safe transportation network to support Visakhapatnam’s economic growth. Key objectives include integrating land use and transport, enhancing accessibility within and outside the city, increasing the utilization of public transit, improving non-motorized and pedestrian facilities, and reducing pollution through technology deployment and effective traffic management strategies. The plan also involves proposals for investment in public spaces and the redesign of streets with improved signage and road markings.
The earlier CMP had envisaged the procurement of over 2,000 buses, with an immediate acquisition of 700 buses, and the addition of two new Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridors to the existing 42 km network in Visakhapatnam. Furthermore, it recommended footpath facilities across a 360-km road stretch, the implementation of a public bike-sharing system, and segregated cycle tracks on a 286-km road stretch, alongside the preparation of a transit-oriented development plan.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has been actively involved in the preparation of the Multi-Modal City Mobility Plan, with officials assuring full cooperation for the implementation of proposed initiatives. Discussions have also highlighted the importance of inter-departmental coordination and data-driven planning to achieve the desired results in improving the city’s urban mobility system.
The Chenab Times News Desk