Two months after the Chandigarh Administrator’s directive, the Chandigarh Administration has formed an eight-member committee to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a Metro system in the Tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali). The committee will also assess the success of rapid transit systems in cities with similar population sizes. The committee is expected to submit its report within two months.
According to a report in The Indian Express, the decision to form the committee followed a directive from the Chandigarh Administrator in a meeting on September 2, which instructed officials to explore the viability of a Metro system in the region. The official order to establish the committee was issued on November 1.
A senior official from the UT Administration stated that the committee will focus on evaluating the economic and financial feasibility of the Metro project for Chandigarh and its surrounding areas.
“Moreover, it will also be looking into the success and viability of Metro systems of similar cities which have similar populations,” the official added.
In parallel, the Chandigarh Engineering Wing has instructed Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) to use radar technology to assist with shifting underground services as part of the planning process.
Easing city’s traffic congestion
The committee’s formation follows discussions held during a meeting of the Unified Metro Transportation Authority (UMTA) on September 2, chaired by the Chandigarh Administrator. During this meeting, the Administrator emphasised the need for a comprehensive study on the feasibility of the Metro project, including examining CAG reports from other Metro projects. He also questioned whether the Metro would be financially viable in Chandigarh or if alternative transportation solutions should be explored to ease the city’s traffic congestion.
The committee will collaborate with RITES Limited for in-depth analysis and will also review issues and suggestions raised in the UMTA meeting. It will coordinate with officials from Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL), Airforce Station Chandigarh, and NHAI to address inter-governmental coordination concerns, including an alternate shorter route to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chandigarh International Airport and the development of a ring road around the city. The committee’s report is expected in two months.
Committee composition
The committee will include the following members:
- Secretary, Urban Planning
- Secretary, Transport
- Administrative Transport Secretary of Punjab and Haryana
- Administrative Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Punjab
- Administrative Secretary, Town and Country Planning, Haryana
- Chief Engineer, Chandigarh (Nodal Officer and Convener)
- Chief Architect, Department of Urban Planning, Chandigarh
Two years of discussions on tricity metro project
Over the past two years, multiple meetings have been held to finalise plans for the Metro project in the Tricity. RITES had prepared an alternative analysis report that detailed various aspects of the project. However, after two years of discussions, the administration has now opted for a formal feasibility study before moving forward.
While residents had hoped for an announcement regarding the tentative start date for the project, it now appears that the Metro project will face further delays.
Metro cost and specifications
RITES’ alternative analysis report estimated that the cost of a two-coach Metro system, designed to meet peak-hour passenger demand well into 2056, would be approximately Rs 24,000 crore.