Chandigarh metro project gains momentum as RITES submits inception report

In a significant step towards the realization of the Chandigarh Metro project, the Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) recently submitted its inception report to the UT administration. This report marks a crucial milestone in the project's planning and execution.

The inception report serves as a blueprint that outlines the consultant's plan of action and the timeline for conducting the project evaluation. It ensures that both the consultant and the authorities are on the same page regarding the project's direction.

Next Steps

Pradhuman Singh, the director of UT transport, confirmed that they have received the inception report. RITES will provide a detailed presentation in the coming days on how they intend to proceed with the alternative analysis report (AAR). The AAR is a critical phase that will precede the detailed project report (DPR).

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Both Haryana and Punjab have released their respective shares of funds for the Tricity Metro's DPR. Punjab contributed ₹1.37 crore, while Haryana released ₹60 lakh. The overall estimated cost of the Metro project stands at approximately ₹10,570 crore. The funding is divided with 20% from each of the two states, 20% from the central government, and the remaining 60% from a lending agency.

Project expansion and phases

The Chandigarh administration had earlier decided to involve all stakeholders - Haryana and Punjab - in preparing the AAR and DPR in accordance with central government guidelines. The Unified Metro Transportation Authority (UMTA) approved the Tricity Metro project, expanding the scope of the first phase from 66 km to 77 km. The project's first phase will commence from Parol in New Chandigarh (Mohali) and extend to Panchkula Extension in Sector 20.

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The Metro project's second phase, planned for after 2037, includes additional routes. RITES is set to complete both the AAR and DPR by March 2024, laying the foundation for the much-anticipated Chandigarh Metro.