Chandigarh Metro receives approval for Phase I Expansion

Chandigarh, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for Chandigarh's transportation landscape, UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit has approved the implementation of Phase I of the Chandigarh Metro Rail project. The decision was made during a meeting focused on the Area-Based Comprehensive Mobility Plans (AAR) conducted by RITES on Monday.

Ambitious Metro Plans Unveiled

RITES, a leading transportation group, has proposed an extensive 91-km route for the initial phase of Chandigarh's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. The proposed route encompasses three key corridors:

• Corridor 1: Spanning from Sultanpur, New Chandigarh in Mohali to Sector 28 in Panchkula, covering a distance of 34 km.
• Corridor 2: Connecting Sukhna Lake to ISBT Zirakpur via ISBT Mohali and Chandigarh Airport, with a route length of 41.20 km.
• Corridor 3: Stretching from Grain Market Chowk (Sector 39) to Transport Light Chowk, Sector 26, covering a distance of 13.30 km.

Additionally, provisions for train entry and exit points along these routes, totaling 2.50 km, have been included in the proposed plan.

Representatives from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal participated in the Unified Metropolitan Transport Meeting (UMTM) on Chandigarh’s MRT Network Expansion held at the Sector 9 Secretariat. RITES, through its Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), initially suggested a Mass Rapid Transit Network spanning approximately 154.5 km in two phases for the Tri-City. The meeting, acknowledging the importance of efficient transportation, collectively agreed to expand the first phase from 79.5 km to 91 km.

Deliberations on Metro Infrastructure

The meeting placed particular emphasis on selecting optimal locations for train depots and forming a subcommittee to assess the viability of these locations in each state. Discussions also revolved around the crucial decision of whether the Metro routes should be elevated or underground. A senior officer revealed, “The UMTA finalized proposals for both elevated and underground corridors, to be submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (Mohua), Government of India, along with their respective pros, cons, and financial implications.”

Commitment to Metro Implementation

On December 13, Banwarilal Purohit affirmed his commitment to introducing the Metro in Chandigarh during his tenure. He asserted, "I’ll make sure Chandigarh gets a Metro, no matter what it takes." This declaration underscores the administration's dedication to advancing public transportation infrastructure in the region.

Differing Opinions and Concerns

While the Metro project has gained approval and support from various quarters, not everyone shares the enthusiasm. Former councilor and architect Pallav Mukherjee expressed reservations, suggesting that the Metro might contribute to increased traffic congestion and disrupt the city's essential characteristics. Mukherjee proposed a model wherein small satellite hubs around major cities could be a more sustainable approach.

Amid contrasting opinions, the future of Chandigarh's transportation is at a crossroads, with decisions made in the coming months set to shape the city's infrastructure for years to come.

The approval of Phase I for the Chandigarh Metro marks a significant step toward transforming the city's transportation landscape. As deliberations continue on the infrastructure and logistical aspects, the decision-makers face the challenge of balancing progress with the preservation of the city's unique characteristics.