Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged the Union Government to fast-track approvals for two major metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. During a recent meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, Naidu reaffirmed the state's commitment to upgrading its urban mobility systems to meet growing infrastructure demands.

According to a press release from the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office, Naidu emphasized the importance of expediting these metro proposals to reduce urban congestion and promote sustainable regional development. The state government also pledged to resolve land acquisition hurdles related to ongoing highway projects swiftly.

The appeal came as Gadkari visited Andhra Pradesh to inaugurate and lay the foundation for several key road projects. Among the highlights was sanctioning eight new highway projects, including a major greenfield expressway between Hyderabad and Vijayawada, totaling around ₹27,000 crore in investment.

Naidu also floated an ambitious proposal for a bullet train network connecting Amaravati to major metros such as Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru, positioning it as a catalyst for intercity connectivity and economic integration.

Transportation experts suggest that metro systems and high-speed rail can significantly reduce travel time, ease road congestion, and help lower carbon emissions, aligning with national goals for green urban development. According to a 2023 report by NITI Aayog, urban rail projects contribute to mobility, real estate, and job creation around transit corridors.

Naidu praised Gadkari for his proactive role in infrastructure development, including his involvement in the Polavaram irrigation project. In response, Gadkari lauded Naidu's long-term vision, particularly his proposals to link major rivers for optimized water management across southern India.

With cumulative operational and upcoming infrastructure projects estimated at over ₹70,000 crore, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a regional logistics and transportation hub. Strategic focus areas include integrated sea and airport development, high-speed rail links, and urban transit systems, underscoring the state's broader mission to improve regional connectivity and attract investment.

For official updates, refer to PIB India and the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office.