Expanding city lines: 16 proposals submitted for Metro rail project extension

NEW DELHI: Seven states and two union territories have submitted 16 proposals to the Centre for the extension and building of metro rail projects, with the goal of providing a fast and clean urban transportation system to the public. Three regional fast transportation networks will connect different sections of Haryana and Rajasthan with Delhi, as well as two from Jammu and Kashmir, according to the proposals.

While it is the responsibility of state governments to initiate, develop, and fund urban transportation infrastructure, including metro rail projects, the central government considers financial assistance to such projects under the Metro Rail Policy. Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India told the Lok Sabha on February 10, that urban transportation was an integral part of urban development. “The central government evaluates such projects in cities or urban agglomerates based on the practicality of the plan and the availability of resources,” Puri said, adding that the Government of Gujarat has not filed a new metro rail proposal for funding.

The majority (three) of the 16 plans came from Maharashtra and included the building of Nagpur Metro’s 43.80-kilometer second phase in five years from the date of approval. Similarly, the state has proposed a 33-kilometer-long Nashik Metro, which is expected to be finished in four years from the date of permission. The third plan is for a 29-kilometer-long Thane Internal Ring Project, which is expected to be finished within five years of its approval.