Chandigarh Tricity's Ambitious Mobility Plan: Proposed Metro to Span 77 km

After a gap of more than a decade, the Metro project is set to make a comeback in Chandigarh tricity. During the first meeting of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) on Tuesday, the comprehensive mobility plan prepared by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) received approval.

The UMTA, consisting of officials from Chandigarh Administration, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, aims to address mobility issues in the tricity region. The approved plan includes the development of a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) covering a total of 77 km.

The project will be carried out in two phases, with phase I scheduled for development between 2027 and 2037. It will include three routes, and an additional 11 km has been included based on suggestions from Punjab and Haryana.

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The total estimated cost of the project is around Rs 10,500 crore, with 20% of the funds to be contributed by the state governments, 20% by the Central government, and the remaining 60% by the lending agency. The detailed project report (DPR) is expected to be completed by March 2024 and will then be sent to the Union Government for approval.

This Metro project aims to provide a quick and efficient mode of transportation within the city and enhance connectivity in the tricity region. The project faced previous setbacks due to viability concerns, but with the revised plan and approval, Chandigarh tricity is looking forward to a transformative and modern transport system.

Stretch up from 66 km to 77 km

In phase I of the project, based on suggestions from Punjab and Haryana, a distance of 6 km from Paroul in New Chandigarh and 5 km from Panchkula ISBT to Panchkula Extension has been included. As a result, the total stretch covered in phase I has increased from 66 km to 77 km.

2 routes in phase II

In phase II of the project, the Metro has been proposed to run from Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar (5 km) and from ISBT Zirakpur to Pinjore (20 km).

Shared funding

Out of the total cost of Rs 10,500 crore, Punjab and Haryana will contribute 20%, the Central government will provide 20%, and the remaining 60% will be funded by the lending agency.