VIJAYAWADA: The Taxpayers’ Association has written a letter to the Chairman of Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation (AMRC) underscoring its objections to the metro project in the city.
The association suggested to the AMRC to construct the metro rail on BRTS Road rather than on Eluru Road and also proposed alternative routes for the metro corridor, to reduce the city traffic, and expand the project to the rural areas surrounding Vijayawada.
Association secretary M V Anjaneyulu told newsmen here on Friday that the Amaravati Metro authorities were refusing to change the route to BRTS Road stating that the construction cannot take place on the riverbanks.
“The BRTS Road is apt for metro construction, as the roads are already widened and there is possibility of development in and around the BRTS corridor. On Eluru Road, a large number of people would lose their commercial lands and the government would have to pay hefty amount as compensation. It is a pity to hear that the construction cannot be taken up on river banks since the technology has improved and constructions are being taken up inside water bodies,” he pointed out.
The association asked the Metro Rail authorities to connect the nearby villages like Kanchikacherla, Nandigama, Amaravati, Agiripalli etc. for more development.
Association president V Sambi Reddy stated that the Metro Rail authorities did not conduct any public hearing so far and were going ahead with their plans.
“Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation should hold a meeting and discuss the proposal with the people. However, no public hearing has been conducted till date. We strongly demand that the construction of the metro be taken up by the partnership of the Central and State governments rather than levying metro cess.”