PM Narendra Modi likely to launch Priority Section of Agra Metro by March

Agra, India (Metro Rail Today): In a landmark development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to inaugurate the priority section of the Agra Metro during the first week of March, marking a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh's infrastructural growth. Agra, renowned for the iconic Taj Mahal, is set to become the sixth city in the state to boast metro services, solidifying its position as a leader in advanced urban transit systems.

Spanning a 6 km priority section, the Agra Metro includes three elevated and three underground stations, showcasing a blend of cutting-edge engineering and architectural finesse. The elevated stations, namely Taj East Gate, Basai, and Fatehabad Road, have completed their construction phase, while the underground stations—Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Mankameshwar Mandir—are expected to be ready by mid-February.

As of now, the Agra Metro project has made commendable progress, particularly in the track-laying endeavor for the underground stations. The meticulous work on both sides of the 2.5-mile (4 km) stretch is slated for completion by January 31, with 500 meters remaining to be laid on one side. Panchanan Mishra, Deputy General Manager of the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), provided insights into the developments, emphasizing the ambitious scope of the project.

The primary corridor, extending from the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal to the Jama Masjid station, promises a transformative impact on Agra's transportation landscape. The construction of three elevated stations—Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Jama Masjid—is already accomplished. Track-laying efforts have resulted in one set of tracks spanning Agra Fort Station, while the other set extends beyond Agra Fort Station. The remaining 500 meters are expected to be laid by January 31, setting the stage for trial runs at speeds of up to 90 km/hour in the first week of February.

The official inauguration, a pivotal moment for Agra and its residents, is scheduled to be conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the first week of March. Following this, passenger services will commence, operating from 6 AM to 10 PM with a frequency of one train every 5 minutes between stations. The proposed schedule has been submitted to the state government for approval.

According to Panchanan Mishra, the metro trains are expected to commence operations in March, covering the stretch from Taj East Gate to Jama Masjid Station. The comprehensive approach includes civil, testing, and signaling work concluding by February 24. The 6 km track is designed to accommodate 5-6 metro trains, each equipped with three coaches providing seating for 60 passengers per coach, along with a standing capacity exceeding 220.

The impending inauguration of the Agra Metro's priority section marks a monumental leap in Uttar Pradesh's metro landscape. As the city gears up for enhanced connectivity, residents and visitors can anticipate a seamless and efficient mode of transportation. Agra's prominence as a city with advanced metro infrastructure is undoubtedly set to grow, reflecting a commitment to modernization and improved urban living.