PM Narendra Modi Flags Off first Metro Train service on Agra Metro Rail Project

Agra, India (Metro Rail Today): In a groundbreaking virtual ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the priority corridor of the Agra Metro on Wednesday. This significant development adds Agra to the list of cities with operational metro services, facilitating enhanced connectivity and sustainable urban development in the region.

Key Features of Agra Metro's Priority Corridor:

1. Stations and Route:

• The 5.2 km priority corridor covers six metro stations in Agra, three elevated and three underground.
• It encompasses key landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mankameshwar Temple, and Jama Masjid.
• Notable metro stations in the corridor include Taj Mahal East, Captain Shubham Gupta, Fatehabad Road, Taj Mahal, and Mankameshwar Temple.

2. Aesthetic Appeal:

• Agra Metro stations are adorned with paintings depicting the 'Braj' theme, showcasing local culture, festivals, and temples.

3. Facilities and Amenities:

• Commuters and tourists will have access to various facilities, including birthday celebrations, pre-wedding shoots, educational tours, and group tours.
• Eating joints will be available at the stations for the convenience of commuters and tourists.

4. Operational Timing and Fare:

• Agra Metro will operate from 6 am to 10 pm.
• Fare structure: ₹10 for up to 1 kilometer, ₹15 for 1-2 kilometers, and ₹20 for 2-6 kilometers.
• Metro tickets can be conveniently booked through the official Agra Metro app.

Agra Metro Rail Project Overview:

1. Corridors and Length:

• The project comprises two corridors with a total length of 29.4 km.
• The 13.7-km first corridor runs from Taj East Gate to Sikandra, with both elevated and underground stations.
• The 15.7-km second corridor connects Agra Cantt to Kalindi Vihar, featuring an entirely elevated route with 14 metro stations.

2. Energy-Efficient Trains:

• Agra Metro trains are equipped with a regenerative braking system, saving up to 35% energy.
• Carbon dioxide-based sensors further contribute to energy savings.

3. Automated Operations and Safety Measures:

• Trains operate in automated CBTC mode (Communication-Based Train Control) for enhanced safety and efficiency.
• Alstom, a global leader, has designed and manufactured these energy-efficient trains under the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.

4. International Recognition and Support:

• The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided a €450 million loan for the Agra Metro project, emphasizing its importance in reducing congestion, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Agra Metro aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, fostering global connectivity in various sectors.

Leadership Perspectives:

Sushil Kumar, Managing Director, UPMRC, highlighted the rapid progress of the Agra Metro, citing the significant time-saving achieved in commissioning trains and signaling. "Uttar Pradesh Metro has the privilege of starting the Metro projects in the fastest phase, and Lucknow was started in three years, while Kanpur priority section was started in two years, two months, and now underground section constructed and started in less than two years in Agra. One of the biggest reasons for achieving this target was the fastest commissioning of trains. As most of the prototype testing of the train was done in Kanpur as the Kanpur and Agra trains are the same, we were able to save almost one year in the commissioning of trains and interface with signalling which was a huge saving, which was achieved for the first time in India. Support of the Alstom team was instrumental in the entire journey," commented Sushil Kumar, MD, UPMRC.

Olivier Loison, Managing Director - Alstom India, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to witness this moment as Agra becomes the 6th city in Uttar Pradesh with an operational metro service. The metro promises to be a game-changer for Agra, enhancing tourism and providing improved connectivity."

EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer emphasized the bank's pride in financing the Agra Metro, contributing to reduced congestion, pollution, and increased accessibility to opportunities. "The European Investment Bank, the EU climate bank, is proud to finance the Agra metro. The project reduces congestion, air and noise pollution and increases accessibility to jobs and study opportunities while including features designed to enhance access, safety and security for women and girls. The Bank’s support for transport in India includes the financing of metro investment in Agra, Bangalore, Bhopal, Kanpur, Lucknow and Pune, with a total of €3 billion committed since 2016. This makes India the largest beneficiary of EIB transport financing outside Europe," said EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer.

Agra now become the 5th city in Uttar Pradesh and the 17th city in India that has operational metro rail systems. The inauguration of Agra Metro's priority corridor is a testament to the concerted efforts towards sustainable urban development in Agra. As the city joins the league of operational metro networks, it is poised for transformative growth, improved connectivity, and a more sustainable future.