Ex-MP Kesineni Nani calls Vijayawada Metro a waste of money

Former Vijayawada MP Kesineni Nani has said the proposed Vijayawada Metro Rail project, estimated to cost around Rs 12,000 crore, is not worthwhile and that the government should first focus on basic urban infrastructure. In a series of social media posts, Nani argued the project may take 10 to 15 years to complete and could eventually cost up to Rs 24,000 crore.

Nani listed several areas needing urgent attention, including round-the-clock safe drinking water, pothole-free roads, underground drainage, stormwater systems, flood prevention, uninterrupted power supply, street lighting, sanitation, garbage collection, pedestrian pathways, and better public transport. He also stressed the need for improved government hospitals, schools, parks, public spaces, traffic management, parking, public toilets, and infrastructure for women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

He questioned whether spending about 25 per cent of the proposed Metro cost on such basic infrastructure would be a better way to develop Vijayawada into a modern, inclusive city, or whether proceeding with the Metro Rail project is the better option.