AGRA (Metro Rail News): Agra, renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal, is on the brink of a significant transformation with the inauguration of the Agra Metro Rail Service on March 6, 2024, by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This milestone event heralds the dawn of metro services in Agra, making it the 21st city in India to join the thriving Metro Rail network.
Across India, metro systems serve as vital arteries of urban transportation, with nearly 1 crore people relying on them daily, traversing a vast network of 905 kilometers spread across 20 cities. As the nation continues to prioritize public transportation infrastructure, an additional 958 kilometers of metro network is currently under construction.
The Agra Metro project has achieved remarkable progress, with approximately 6 kilometers of metro network completed each month, underscoring a commendable feat in urban transportation. Designed to serve Agra’s 26 lakh residents and approximately 60 lakh annual tourists, the two corridors spanning 29.4 kilometers will seamlessly connect major railway stations, bus depots, colleges, markets, and prominent tourist destinations.
With the inauguration of the Agra Metro Rail service, Agra becomes the sixth city in Uttar Pradesh to embrace a Metro network, joining the ranks of Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Kanpur. As the fourth most populous city in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is poised to reap the benefits of efficient and modern metro rail services, contributing to the state’s rapid development.
The expeditious implementation of metro projects by Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) sets a precedent for efficiency and innovation. Notably, the Agra Metro project achieved the remarkable feat of completing a 3 km underground stretch, including a tunnel, in just 11 months. Moreover, the elevated and underground sections of the Priority Corridor were completed in 29 and 23 months, respectively, making it the fastest underground metro project in India.
UPMRC’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Agra Metro project, with initiatives such as ISO certifications for environmental and safety management, extensive tree transplantation, and aforestation efforts. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the metro project incorporates regenerative braking systems and world-class control centers for efficient operations and enhanced security.
The Agra Metro aims to be an inclusive mode of public transport, catering to the needs of all passengers. With initiatives such as women, children, and specially-abled-friendly facilities, including wheelchair assistance, braille plates, and tactile lines, the metro ensures accessibility for everyone.
Furthermore, the Agra Metro promises a wholesome travel experience, offering passengers unique amenities such as celebrations on wheels, food outlets, and opportunities for film-making and cultural events. These initiatives aim to enhance passenger experience and foster community engagement within the metro ecosystem.
“We are all set to serve the people of Agra with the finest Metro Rail services. The Agra Metro Rail Project is not just about connectivity; it’s a leap towards sustainable, green urban development. We are proud to contribute to the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision of the Government of India,” said Shri Sushil kumar, Managing Director, UP Metro Rail Corporation Limited, ahead of the inauguration.Â
