CHANDIGARH (Metro Rail News): The Chandigarh administration has been waiting for Haryana to provide the necessary financial support for the development of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Tricity Metro project. The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), which has already prepared a comprehensive mobility plan for the Tricity Metro, has requested written approval from the administration to proceed with the preparation of the DPR.
Punjab has promptly fulfilled its share of ₹1.37 crore for the Tricity Metro project, while Haryana’s contribution is still outstanding. The agency responsible for preparing the detailed project report, RITES, is in a holding pattern until they receive the necessary consent from the UT administration. The project’s first phase has recently seen an expansion from 66 km to 77 km and is projected to commence in 2027, with the second phase scheduled for development after 2037.
The overall estimated cost of the Metro project stands at approximately ₹10,570 crore, with the states contributing 20%, the central government 20%, and the remaining 60% being covered by a lending agency.
A senior official from Haryana involved in the project has mentioned that they are still finalizing whether to provide the funds through Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) or establish a new head.
On the other hand, a senior officer of the UT administration has indicated that once they receive the funds from Haryana, they will promptly grant consent to RITES to proceed with the preparation of the DPR.
In a significant decision made in July, the Chandigarh administration committed to involving all stakeholders, including Haryana and Punjab, in the development of the AAR and DPR for the Metro Rail project, in line with the central government’s guidelines.
The Unified Metro Transportation Authority (UMTA), consisting of 23 members, met on July 18 and approved the Tricity Metro Project. It also extended the scope of the first phase from 66 km to 77 km. The first phase will now commence from Parol in New Chandigarh (Mohali) and conclude at Panchkula Extension in Sector 20.
The first phase will encompass three proposed routes: Parol, Sarangpur, ISBT Panchkula to Panchkula Extension (29 km); Rock Garden to ISBT Zirakpur via Industrial Area and Chandigarh Airport (35 kilometre); and from Grain Market Chowk, Sector 39, to Transport Chowk, Sector 26 (13 Kilometer).
In the second phase, slated for development after 2037, the Metro will be extended from Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar (5 km) and ISBT Zirakpur to Pinjore (20 km), with most tracks running overground. RITES has been tasked with preparing the AAR and DPR for the project, with an estimated cost of ₹6.54 crore, and both reports are expected to be ready by March 2024.
