In a recent update, the Chandigarh area much much-awaited Tricity Metro Project will be launched with a major transformation. Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) recently proposed revised plans for the Mass Rapid Transport System(MRTS) for Chandigarh, with 2 coach metro network with extended coverage. These changes are expected to improve the connectivity in the Tricity area while tackling the growing traffic congestion in the region.
Initially, the plan was to cover 66 Kilometers, which has been expanded over 77 kilometers. This revised proposal comprises a comprehensive network with 35 kilometers dedicated to Chandigarh itself while also catering to Mohali and New Chandigarh and 11 kilometers serving Panchkula. Additionally, an 11-kilometer extension has been incorporated into the current phase which includes 6 6-kilometer stretch connecting Paroul, Chandigarh with Sarangpur, and a 5 kilometers segment linking Panchkula ISBT to Panchkula extension in Sector 20. Earlier these extensions were part of the phase of Tricilty’s metro plan which now has been added to the initial phase to accelerate the process of traffic decongestion.
Metro Route Details
The forthcoming metro corridor will cover approximately 39 kilometers and plans to exclude the heritage sections from Sector 1 to Sector 30 for now. The final network envisions two phases in which it will connect all the major locations in the Tricity region and its neighboring cities as well as towns. With 30 stations planned the metro will cover Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, New Chandigarh, Zirakpur, and Pinjore, offering an easy, efficient, and convenient mode of public transportation to the residents. To create a seamless transportation system projects including bus depots, bus terminals and improvements in the current transportation system will also be developed alongside the metro project.
First Phase Development Between 2027 and 2037
The first phase of the metro development is planned to begin in the year 2027 to 2037. It will include several key routes such as Rock Garden to Zirakpur ISBT via Mohali Industrial Area and Chandigarh Airport, Parol Sarangpur to Panchkula ISBT, Grain Market Chowk in Sector 29 to Transport Nagar in Sector 26.
In support of the existing infrastructure, a few stations are planned to be built underground while the majority of the tracks and stations will be elevated.
Phase Two Expansion After 2037
Panchkula ISBT to Panchkula Extension, Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar, Parol in New Chandigarh to Sarangpur, and Zirakpur ISBT to Pinjore ISBT are a few of the key routes that will be developed during the expansion of the metro system in Chandigarh which is scheduled for construction after 2037
Estimated Cost and Project Timeline
As per the reports, the estimated cost of the Chandigarh Metro project is approximately 11,000 Crore. For this states of Haryana and Punjab will contribute 20% each to the total cost. The central government will also be providing 20% as well for the project. The remaining 60% is expected to be funded from the lending agencies.
Hence, in accordance with the central government guidelines, the Chandigarh administration actively involved all the stakeholders in the preparation of go Alignment-cum-feasibilty-report (AAR) and Detailed Project Report(DPR) since July 2023, for the Chandigarh metro project.
This project holds immense potential to transform Tricity’s severe traffic congestion environment into a more vibrant and livable landscape. Currently, the Tricity structure supports a population of 15 lakh registered vehicles, boasting the highest density of vehicles per family in the country.
