Former Vijayawada MP Kesineni Nani, who has been actively raising public issues on social media, has sparked a debate over whether the proposed Vijayawada Metro Rail project would be a boon or a burden for the city.
According to Nani, spending thousands of crores on a Metro Rail system for Vijayawada may not be worthwhile. He argued that the government should first focus on improving basic urban infrastructure.
In a series of social media posts over two consecutive days, Nani raised questions about the estimated cost, implementation period and priorities connected with the proposed Metro project.
Vijayawada currently depends heavily on two major commercial corridors — Bandar Road and Eluru Road. Against this backdrop, Nani questioned whether a Metro Rail system would really address the city’s most urgent infrastructure needs.
According to the estimates cited by him, the Vijayawada Metro project could cost around Rs 12,000 crore. Nani argued that it may take 10 to 15 years to complete and that the cost could eventually rise to around Rs 24,000 crore.
Instead of spending such a huge amount on the Metro project, he suggested that at least a part of the money could be used to improve basic infrastructure and make Vijayawada a more liveable city.
He listed several areas that need attention, including round-the-clock safe drinking water, pothole-free roads, underground drainage, stormwater systems and flood-prevention infrastructure.
He also stressed the need for uninterrupted power supply, proper street lighting, better sanitation, systematic garbage collection and treatment, safe pedestrian pathways and improved public transport.
Other priorities mentioned by him include better government hospitals and emergency services, quality government schools, parks, playgrounds and other public spaces.
Nani also highlighted the need for better traffic management, parking facilities, public toilets and infrastructure suitable for women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
He called for stronger public safety measures, better fire and emergency services, more greenery and steps to control pollution.
Against this backdrop, Nani asked whether spending around 25 per cent of the proposed Metro cost on such basic infrastructure would be a better way to develop Vijayawada into a modern, attractive and inclusive city, or whether going ahead with the Metro Rail project would be the better option.
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