Chandigarh Metro to operate two-coach train sets on Phase 1 corridors

Chandigarh, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for Chandigarh and its adjoining regions, stakeholders from Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana have decided to implement a two-coach Metro network, rather than opting for Metrolite, as part of the proposed Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) project. The decision, driven by the directives of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), reflects a strategic move to address the urban transportation needs of the Tricity.

Two-coach Metro: A Strategic Choice

The Unified Metro Transportation Authority (UMTA) meeting, chaired by UT adviser Nitin Yadav, witnessed a presentation by Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) on the modified alignments of the project. The stakeholders' unanimous approval paves the way for the submission of the proposals to the Ministry for final approval. The two-coach Metro network is envisioned to cater to the region's commuting demands efficiently.

Push for a Fully Underground Metro

Simultaneously, the administration is actively pursuing the implementation of a fully underground Metro network in Chandigarh, considering the potential impact of an elevated network on the city's aesthetic landscape. While approximately 8 km of the proposed 20 km network is elevated, opting for underground corridors is projected to escalate the expenditure by nearly ₹8,000 crore, bringing the total project outlay to approximately ₹19,000 crore.

UT officials are diligently preparing a detailed report on the necessity of an underground network, emphasizing its advantages, which will be submitted to MoHUA for consideration.

Project Phases and Corridors

As per the RITES alignment report, Phase 1 includes three corridors crisscrossing Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. Notably, the Madhya Marg corridor, passing through Chandigarh's heritage sectors (1 to 30), will be entirely elevated, while the other two will be a mix of elevated and underground segments.

Phase 1 routes encompass Paroul, New Chandigarh, to Sector 28, Panchkula (32.2 km); Sukhna Lake to Zirakpur ISBT via Mohali ISBT and Chandigarh airport (36.4 km); and from Grain Market Chowk, Sector 39, to Transport Chowk, Sector 26 (13.80 km), with expected completion by 2034.

Phase 2, planned for Mohali and Panchkula post-2034, proposes a mostly elevated network, including routes from Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar (5 km) and ISBT Zirakpur to Pinjore (20 km).

Addressing Land Challenges

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the 21 hectares of land proposed for the depot at New Chandigarh, falling under the Punjab Land Preservation Act. In response, Punjab representatives committed to re-examining the possibility of making this land available for the depot. UT adviser Nitin Yadav urged swift identification of an alternative land parcel meeting technical requirements if the proposed land wasn't feasible.

The decision to implement a two-coach Metro network and explore fully underground corridors marks a transformative phase for Chandigarh's urban transit. The comprehensive project aims to address current and future commuting needs while prioritizing aesthetic and infrastructural considerations.