Centre to assess proposed Krishna water metro between Vijayawada and Amaravati
The Andhra Pradesh government has sought central clearance for a proposed 30-kilometre Water Metro linking Vijayawada and Amaravati along the Krishna River. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is expected to conduct a preliminary study. The project is planned in two phases, with dredging required on the Rayapudi-Amaravati stretch.
A Government of India team is expected to conduct a preliminary study of a proposed Water Metro linking Vijayawada and Amaravati along the Krishna River, following a request from Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority has sought clearance from the Inland Waterways Authority of India for the project, which would fall under National Waterway-4. The proposed waterway distance between Vijayawada and Amaravati is about 30 kilometres.
APIWA chairman Z. Siva Prasad said in a letter to IWAI chairman Sushil Kumar Lohani that the Krishna and Godavari rivers support about 250 operational inland vessels used for cargo, ferry services and tourism. The authority said rapid urbanisation and growing commuter demand in the Vijayawada-Amaravati Capital Region had increased pressure on the road network.
It proposed the river as a transport corridor that could reduce road congestion and support a more sustainable form of mobility. The project is planned in two phases: Vijayawada to Rayapudi and Rayapudi to Amaravati. A technical feasibility study found that the first stretch would not require major dredging, and APIWA conducted a trial run with a cargo boat this year.
The Rayapudi-Amaravati section would require dredging and the development of a navigation channel. APIWA has requested approval under the Centre’s Water Metro Policy. The authority said electric or hybrid vessels could reduce fuel use and emissions while supporting tourism.
It also said it would allot land for waterway terminals in line with the policies of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority.
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