The construction of the Tricity Metro is finally about to be realized after almost 14 years since it was first proposed. The governments of Punjab and Haryana recommended the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), which led to the Chandigarh administration organizing a conference to discuss the proposed modifications. The approval to proceed with the project was granted, and the construction of the metro will start in three cities in stages.
In the first phase, a 14.5-kilometer metro line will be built in Chandigarh, with phase one featuring 25.5 km and 3.5 km long tracks to be built in Mohali and Panchkula, respectively. The following phase will see a 4.5 km expansion in Panchkula and a 5.5 km expansion in Chandigarh.
The Chandigarh metro project was first proposed in 2009, and a DPR costing Rs 1.5 crore was issued by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Final adjustments to the DPR were made in 2012, but it wasn’t until 2015 that the DMRC submitted a revised estimate of Rs 13,600 crore as the overall development cost.
Unfortunately, financial infeasibility led the Union Home Ministry to terminate the project in 2017, which resulted in dire consequences. However, it was suggested that the metro route include additional stations such as PGIMER, Secretariat, Vidhan Sabha, Pinjore, Kalka, Punjab and Haryana High Court. The metro will also pass by significant locations such as the airport, Fountain Chowk, ISBT Panchkula, Chandigarh Railway Station, Tribune Chowk, JLPL Industrial Area, Grain Market Chowk, among others.
The implementation of the Tricity subway will also result in reduced traffic on the highways, which is critical considering that there are more automobiles registered in the city than people living there by more than 8%. The commencement of the project could mean a significant improvement in mobility for residents and tourists alike, helping ease traffic congestion and promoting sustainable transportation. Overall, the Tricity Metro is a commendable project that will bring numerous benefits to the people of Punjab and Haryana.