Srinagar Metro Rail Project stalled, awaiting for Centre's approval

At an estimated cost of ₹4,893 crore, the project is aimed at alleviating Srinagar’s severe traffic problems. However, it is still awaiting approval from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), according to recent disclosures in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

In response to a question posed by MLA Tanveer Sadiq, the Housing and Urban Development Department revealed that while the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by RITES Ltd has already been submitted to the central ministry, formal approval has yet to be granted. This approval is a crucial step before any progress can be made on the project. Officials also noted that no consultations have taken place with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) or any other agencies regarding the implementation of the project, as it remains in the approval phase.

As a result of the delays, authorities have stated that it is not possible to set a revised timeline for the project’s completion until the necessary approvals are secured.

The Srinagar metro system is part of a larger initiative, with the Jammu component of the project planned to cover 23 kilometers at a cost of ₹3,590 crore. Together, these two projects represent a combined infrastructure investment of nearly ₹8,000 crore for the region. While the Public Investment Board (PIB) of MoHUA has previously approved the project, it is still awaiting further cabinet discussions and official sanction to move forward.

The proposed "Elevated Metrolite" system will be a groundbreaking initiative, making Srinagar and Jammu the first non-major cities in India to have operational rapid transit networks. The Srinagar metro system will span 25 kilometers with 24 stations across two corridors: a 12.5 km stretch from Indira Nagar to HMT Junction, and another 12.5 km section from Hazuri Bagh to Osmanabad. The system is planned to operate 17 hours daily in summer and 14 hours during winter. The coaches will be modern, lightweight, and constructed from stainless steel and aluminum, featuring air-conditioning for passenger comfort.

However, as the city faces an escalating traffic crisis, the delay in the metro project is putting additional strain on already congested roads. Major arterial routes such as Lal Chowk, Residency Road, and the surrounding areas are gridlocked during peak hours, leading to tripling of journey times. The city's growing population of private vehicles, coupled with insufficient public transportation options, has intensified the problem. The congestion has not only affected daily commuters but also local businesses, with many reporting significant losses as customers avoid congested areas. Emergency services also face significant challenges in navigating traffic jams.

While initial projections had suggested the metro system could be operational by December 2026, the prolonged administrative delays are now raising doubts about whether this timeline will be met. Urban planning experts have warned that such large-scale infrastructure projects typically take several years to complete, even after receiving approval.

With Srinagar's traffic crisis at a tipping point, the swift resolution of the administrative delays and the subsequent launch of the metro project is seen as crucial for the city's mobility and economic well-being.