In a major development, the highly anticipated Tricity metro project is all set to witness a significant transformation with the introduction of a two-coach metro network under the proposed mass rapid transit system (MRTS) project.
Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) recently revealed the revised alignments, which were approved by all stakeholders. The forthcoming metro rail service is expected to improve connectivity and reduce the rising road traffic congestion in the Tricity region, which includes Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.
The first phase of the Tricity Metro Network has been extended from the initial 66 km to a total of 77 km, according to India.com. The revised proposal for Phase 1 of the Tricity Metro network includes a comprehensive coverage of 35 km in Chandigarh, 31 km in Mohali/New Chandigarh, and 11 km in Panchkula.
In addition to that, there is an 11-kilometre extension, with 6 km joining Paroul in New Chandigarh to Sarangpur and around 5 km connecting Panchkula ISBT to Panchkula Extension in Sector 20. These extensions, which were previously part of phase 2, are now incorporated into the ongoing metro project.
Chandigarh Tricity Metro: Route Details
The upcoming metro corridor, spanning a distance of 39 kilometres, will exclude the heritage sectors from Sector 1 to Sector 30. The final metro network is envisioned in two phases, encompassing Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, New Chandigarh, Zirakpur, and Pinjore. There will be about 30 stations in the metro network. Alongside the metro network, the plan also involves the construction of bus depots, bus terminals, and geometrical enhancements at busy intersections, among others.
Phase 1
In the first phase, which is likely to be developed between 2027 and 2037, the corridor will operate along several key routes, including Rock Garden to Zirakpur ISBT via Mohali Industrial Area and the Chandigarh airport, Parol Sarangpur to Panchkula ISBT, and from Grain Market Chowk in Sector 39 to Transport Nagar in Sector 26.
Notably, the third corridor between Sectors 26 and 39 will be fully elevated. The majority of the tracks and stations in the first two corridors will be elevated, however, some will be underground.
Phase 2
Scheduled for development after 2037, the subsequent phase will have four additional routes. These routes are likely to be mostly elevated and will connect Panchkula ISBT to Panchkula Extension, Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar, Paraul in New Chandigarh to Sarangpur, and Zirakpur ISBT to Pinjore ISBT.
Chandigarh Tricity Metro: Estimated Cost
The overall estimated cost of the Chandigarh Metro project is approximately Rs 11,000 crore, reported the portal. Out of this, Haryana and Punjab will bear 20 percent of the total cost, respectively, while the Centre will contribute another 20 percent. The lending agency will fund the remaining 60 percent of the project’s cost.
As a result, the Chandigarh administration planned to include all the stakeholders in the preparation of the AAR (Alignment-cum-Feasibility Report) and DPR (Detailed Project Report) for the Chandigarh Metro project in July 2023, in accordance with central government guidelines.
It is worth noting that with a population of over 12 lakh and 15 lakh registered vehicles, Chandigarh boasts the highest density of vehicles per family in the country, resulting in severe traffic congestion. Furthermore, over 2 lakh vehicles traverse the city on a daily basis, worsening the congestion.
Hence, the proposed metro network crafted by RITES Limited aims to address this mounting problem in the Tricity area.
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