Jammu, Srinagar Metro Project Rollout likely this year.

Jammu, Srinagar Metro Project Rollout likely this year.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has granted approval for the Srinagar and Jammu metro rail projects, paving the way for the commencement of this multi-crore project would begin within the current fiscal.

During her budget address for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that an elevated light metro rail system is expected to be implemented in both Srinagar and Jammu in 2023-2024. This development aims to benefit commuters in these capital cities by alleviating traffic congestion

A senior official from the Housing Department revealed that the elevated metro line projects in Srinagar and Jammu are large-scale transport initiatives awaiting clearance from the union cabinet. The Public Investment Board (PIB) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has already approved these extensive projects.

Following the PIB’s endorsement, the proposal will be presented to the cabinet for further discussion, with hopes of obtaining final approval. This significant undertaking will aid in resolving traffic congestion and enhancing mobility in the twin summer capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.

The proposed elevated metrolite system for Srinagar spans 25 kilometers and is estimated to cost Rs 4,352 crore, while the Jammu counterpart covers 23 kilometers and is projected to cost Rs 3,590 crore. The aim is to provide a state-of-the-art public transport system that is safe, reliable, convenient, and sustainable.

The final Detailed Project Report (DPR) was submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on July 16, 2021. The PIB sought approval from the Government of India for the project, as stated in the progress report compiled by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

The elevated light metro rail system is expected to be operational by 2023-24 and is anticipated to reach completion by 2026. Its implementation will greatly alleviate traffic congestion in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development conducted a feasibility study to determine the passenger capacity per hour and the economic viability of the light rail metro system. Based on their research, RITES Ltd recommended the metrolite system instead of the light rail metro, with an estimated cost of Rs 7,942 crore

Once completed, Srinagar and Jammu will become the first non-major cities in India to have a functional rapid transport network. The Jammu light metro will operate 17 hours a day throughout the year, while the Srinagar Light Metro will operate for 17 hours daily during summers and 14 hours during winters.

The metro rail lines will consist solely of elevated corridors, as underground tunnels were deemed unfeasible. According to the DPRs, the metrolite coaches will be modern, lightweight, made of stainless steel and aluminum, and equipped with an air-conditioning system.

The Jammu light rail system will stretch over 23 kilometers, with 22 stations between Bantalab and Bari Brahmana. On the other hand, the Srinagar light rail system will cover a distance of 25 kilometers, divided into two corridors: a 12.5-kilometer stretch from Indira Nagar to HMT Junction and another 12.5-kilometer stretch from Hazuri Bagh to Osmanabad. There will be a total of 24 stations, with 12 stations on each corridor.

Experts believe that the elevated metro system will not only benefit the public but also have a positive impact on the economy and overall quality of life.

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