Chandigarh, a beautiful city in North India designed by Le Corbusier, is the capital of two states and a union territory. Traffic congestion is a common problem, prompting the proposed Chandigarh Metro rail system.
The Proposed Chandigarh Metro System
Many have discussed the idea of a metro in Chandigarh for years. Despite previous delays, there is renewed interest in the Chandigarh Metro System project. Feasibility studies and surveys are being conducted to assess its viability. The authorities have been conducting feasibility studies and surveys to assess its viability for quite some time.
The proposed metro system in Chandigarh will be an elevated metro that will run on a single track. The metro will cover a total distance of around 40 kilometers and will have 34 stations. The route will cover the major parts of the city, including Panchkula, Mohali, and Zirakpur. The project will cost around Rs. 25,000 crores and will take around five years to complete.
Benefits of the Proposed Metro System
The city of Chandigarh expects to receive numerous benefits from the proposed metro system. One of the main benefits is that it will ease traffic congestion in the city. As Chandigarh is a small city, vehicles on the roads are increasing daily, leading to traffic congestion. A fast, efficient, and convenient mode of transport will be provided by the metro, and it will lead to a reduction in the number of vehicles on the road.
Another benefit of the metro system is that it will be environmentally friendly. The metro will run on electricity, so it will not emit any environmental pollutants. This will help reduce the city’s carbon footprint and make it cleaner and greener.
The metro will also provide a boost to the local economy. It will create job opportunities for the local people and attract businesses to the city. Furthermore, the metro will not only reduce traffic congestion but also enhance the quality of life for commuters. With the convenience and speed of the metro, people will be able to reach their workplaces on time, which will increase their productivity and efficiency.
Latest Update on Chandigarh Metro
In February 2022, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved the Chandigarh Metro Rail Project. The Chandigarh Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV), will execute the project. The central government and the government of Punjab and Haryana will fund the project.
Currently, the authorities are preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR), and they expect to commence the construction work in 2024. The CMRL is also in the process of appointing consultants for various tasks related to the project, such as project management, design, and construction.
The latest update on the Chandigarh Tricity Metro is that it has received in-principle approval. he proposed metro system in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula will benefit commuters. Construction has not yet begun, but the project could have a significant positive impact on the region’s economy and infrastructure.
The Chandigarh Metro Project includes four proposed routes
Chandigarh metro Route
- Corridor 1 spans approximately 16.00 km from Khuda Lahora to IT Park via various stops, including Punjab University and Chandigarh Railway Station.
- Corridor II, covering a distance of 22 km from Sectt. Sector 1 Chandigarh to Bus terminal Sector 104 S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, with stops such as Rock Garden and Sector 17 ISBT.
- Corridor III, running approximately 14.6 km from Timber Market Chowk Sector 26 to Sector 38 and Dadu Majra along Purv Marg and Vikas Marg.
- Corridor IV, a 5 km stretch from Housing Board Chowk to Sector 21 Panchkula via various stops in Panchkula.
Cost
The project is estimated to cost ₹113.75 billion (US$1.4 billion), with the Chandigarh Administration, Punjab Govt., and Haryana Govt. sharing the expenses. The cost per km for the metro elevated section is ₹1.4 billion (US$18 million), and that of the metro underground section is ₹3.5 billion (US$44 million) per km. The project will consist of two phases, with Phase-I estimated at ₹89.95 billion (US $1.1 billion) and Phase-II at ₹23.8 billion (US $300 million).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed Chandigarh Metro System is expected to bring significant benefits to the city and the region as a whole. With the project receiving in-principle approval, it seems that the dream of having a metro in Chandigarh may soon become a reality. The proposed metro system will provide a fast, efficient, and convenient mode of transport for the people, which will help reduce traffic congestion in the city. Additionally, the metro will be environmentally friendly, provide job opportunities, and boost the local economy. During the project’s planning stages, the estimated cost and route details were announced, and the project was scheduled to be completed in two phases. Furthermore, the proposed Chandigarh Metro System is a significant step towards modernizing the city’s infrastructure. Ultimately, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents is the goal.
