Chandigarh Metro: Revolutionary Tricity Metro Project Receives Green Signal from Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Chandigarh Metro Update: The Tricity metro project, aimed at addressing traffic congestion in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, has recently obtained approval from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This significant development comes one month after the submission of the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) for necessary approvals.
A senior official from the Union Territory (UT) confirmed the ministry’s support, stating that there were no objections to the project. The ministry has instructed the Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) in phases, which will be submitted to the ministry for funding considerations, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
The Tricity metro project proposes a 39-kilometer metro network that will cover Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, as outlined in the CMP. With an estimated cost exceeding Rs 10,570 crore, the project includes the construction of bus terminals, depots, and improvements at busy intersections, along with the metro infrastructure.
In April of this year, the CMP received preliminary approval from Chandigarh, Haryana, and Punjab, further solidifying the groundwork for the Tricity metro project. The final metro network will be developed in two phases and will encompass Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Zirakpur, New Chandigarh, and Pinjore.
Chandigarh Metro First Phase Roadmap
During the first phase, scheduled between 2027 and 2037, the mass rapid transport system (MRTS) will operate along several key routes, including Sarangpur to Panchkula ISBT, Rock Garden to Zirakpur ISBT via Mohali Industrial Area and the airport, and Grain Market Chowk in Sector 39 to Transport Nagar in Sector 26.
Chandigarh Metro Second Phase Roadmap
The second phase, planned after 2037, will introduce four additional routes: Panchkula ISBT to Panchkula Extension, Paraul in New Chandigarh to Sarangpur, Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar, and Zirakpur ISBT to Pinjore ISBT, according to a report by HT.
Additionally, the UT administration has finalized seven straight bus corridors that intersect the Tricity, as part of RITES’ proposal for a robust local bus network. These corridors aim to promote public transportation usage and ensure smooth traffic flow. The proposed corridors include Sector 43 ISBT to New Chandigarh, Sector 17 ISBT to Mansa Devi Complex, Sector 43 ISBT to Panchkula ISBT, Sector 17 ISBT to Kharar ISBT, PGIMER/Dadumajra to Zirakpur ISBT, PGIMER to ISBT Panchkula, and ISBT Kharar to ISBT Zirakpur.
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The approval of the Tricity metro project marks a significant milestone after nearly 14 years since its initial proposal. The comprehensive mobility plan, developed by RITES Limited, comprises short, medium, and long-term proposals to enhance transportation in the region. The plan focuses on improving parking management, junctions, pedestrian infrastructure, road infrastructure, local bus systems, intermodal interchanges, and integrated freight complexes.
Chandigarh, with its high population density and vehicle count, faces severe traffic issues, making the implementation of the metro project crucial. The comprehensive mobility plan aims to tackle this mounting problem and improve the overall transportation system in the Tricity region.
It’s important to note that RITES had recommended the metro project in its initial report back in 2009. However, the project faced rejection by the Union Home Ministry in 2017, citing the city’s size and the financially unfeasibility of the estimated cost of ₹14,000 crore. Nonetheless, the recent approval from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs indicates a renewed commitment to address the transportation challenges in the Tricity area.
The implementation of the Tricity metro project holds immense potential for Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. With a combined population of over 12 lakh and 15 lakh registered vehicles, the region faces a pressing need for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. The metro network will not only alleviate traffic congestion but also provide a reliable and convenient mode of transportation for residents and commuters.
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The Tricity metro project is expected to bring about various benefits. Firstly, it will significantly reduce travel time, as metro trains can bypass the congested roadways and offer a faster alternative for daily commuters. This improvement in travel time will enhance productivity and quality of life for individuals traveling within the Tricity.
Secondly, the metro network will contribute to a cleaner and greener environment. By encouraging people to shift from private vehicles to public transportation, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the region. This aligns with the global movement towards sustainable development and combating climate change.
Moreover, the construction of bus terminals, depots, and geometrical improvements at busy intersections will further enhance the overall transportation infrastructure. These improvements will facilitate seamless intermodal connectivity, allowing commuters to easily transition between different modes of transportation, such as buses, metros, and personal vehicles.
The phased development of the metro network demonstrates a comprehensive and well-planned approach to ensure the project’s successful implementation. The first phase, scheduled to be developed between 2027 and 2037, will focus on key routes connecting important locations within the Tricity. This initial phase will lay the foundation for the subsequent expansion of the metro network in the second phase, which will extend its coverage to additional areas.
The approval and progress of the Tricity metro project also reflect the collaborative efforts of the UT administration, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and other relevant stakeholders. The commitment and support from all parties involved underscore the importance of the project for the region’s development and growth.
In conclusion, the approval of the Tricity metro project by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs marks a significant milestone in addressing the transportation challenges faced by Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. The comprehensive mobility plan, along with the proposed metro network, bus terminals, and other infrastructure enhancements, showcases a holistic approach to improving the region’s transportation system. As the project moves forward, it holds the promise of transforming the Tricity into a more connected, sustainable, and livable urban area.
