Sun Sep 14 14:56:09 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (APMRCL) is set to hold a board meeting on September 19, 2025, to finalize plans for the metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. A key decision will be whether to divide the projects into multiple packages to encourage broader contractor participation. The Visakhapatnam Metro Phase-1 includes a unique 20-km double-decker system costing ₹2,000 crore, featuring a flyover for vehicles and a metro line on a single pier. Land acquisition is underway, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is interested in providing 60% of the finance for the Vizag Metro project.

**News Article:**

**Visakhapatnam Metro Project Set for Key Decisions, Innovative Double-Decker System Planned**

**Visakhapatnam, September 14, 2025** – The Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (APMRCL) is poised to make critical decisions regarding the metro rail projects in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada at a board meeting scheduled for September 19, 2025. A primary focus of the meeting will be whether to divide the projects into multiple packages, a move aimed at attracting a wider range of contractors and speeding up development.

Initially, the APMRCL had planned to award both projects to a single contractor. However, feedback from potential bidders has led the corporation to reconsider this approach. The deadline for tender submissions for the Visakhapatnam Metro has been extended to October 7.

“The board members will discuss the issues related to the two metro projects,” an APMRCL official told *The Hindu*. “We will start the Phase-1 of the Visakhapatnam Metro Rail first.”

The Phase-1 of the Visakhapatnam Metro project includes a 20-km double-decker system. This innovative system, a first for the region, will feature a flyover for motor vehicles on the lower level and the Metro Rail on the upper level, all supported by a single pier. This double-decker segment will be divided into two sections: a 15 km stretch from Car Shed Junction to Thatichetlapalem, and a 5 km stretch from Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (entrance) to Gajuwaka.

This unique double-decker system will cost an additional ₹2,000 crore on top of the total estimated cost of ₹11,498 crore for the entire first phase. The project also requires acquiring 99.75 acres of land, estimated to cost ₹882 crore. A Social Impact Assessment has been conducted as part of the land acquisition process, which includes 9 acres of private land and 87 acres of government land.

The Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has expressed strong interest in financing the project, with a potential contribution of 60% of the total cost. The remaining funds will be provided by the State and Central governments.

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