Chandigarh, a union territory and the capital city of the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana, has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth over the years, leading to escalating traffic congestion and challenges in providing efficient public transportation solutions. As the city continues to expand and accommodate its burgeoning population, the need for a reliable and sustainable mass transit system has become increasingly evident. The proposed Chandigarh Metro Project emerged as a promising solution to address these pressing issues. A metro system offers numerous benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, enhanced mobility for residents, and increased connectivity across different parts of the city.
About Chandigarh Metro Project
After a lengthy wait of approximately 14 years, the Chandigarh Metro Project has finally received the ultimate approval from the UT administration to serve the Chandigarh Capital Region, which includes Chandigarh and adjacent areas in Punjab and Haryana states of India. In Phase-1, to be progressively built and operationalised between 2027 to 2034, 3 lines will connect tri-cities of Chandigarh, Mohali in Punjab and Panchkula in Haryana. Phase-2, to be constructed after 2034, will connect Pinjore in Haryana and further expand the network in Mohali with 2 more lines.
The project, which was initially scrapped in 2017 due to low financial viability, was approved in March 2023 and received formal clearance in July 2023 from the governments of Punjab and Haryana after a Detailed Project Report (DPR) was created.
PHASE – 1
In the first phase, the first of the three lines will connect various areas within Chandigarh, and the other two lines will connect the tri-cities with each other. The network will be 91 km (57 mi) long, which increased the previous plan of 77 km (48 mi) by more than 24 km. Out of the 77-km network, Chandigarh will have 35 km, Panchkula will have 11 km, and Mohali and New Chandigarh together will have 31 km of network.
It will be progressively built and operationalized between 2027 to 2034 at a cost of ₹ 10,570 crore, to be funded by the governments of Punjab and Haryana (20 percent), the Government of India (20 percent) and the remaining 60 percent by a lending agency to be selected. Its Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be created by RITES, at a cost of ₹ 6.5 crore.
Line 1
Line 1 will be 34 km (21 mi) long. It will connect ISBT Panchkula to Panchkula Extension, wherein the localities of Sultanpur (New Chandigarh), Kurali, Sarangpur, Khuda Lahora, PGI, Panjab University, Transport Light, Sector 26, Chandigarh railway station, Mauli Jagran Road, Housing Board Chowk, Geeta Chowk (Panchkula), ISBT Panchkula, Maheshpur road, Amartex road, Sector 20 Panchkula and Panchkula Extension Sector 28 (Madanpur) will have stations.
Line 2
Line 2 will be 41 km (25 mi) long. It will connect Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake to ISBT Zirakpur via Industrial Area and Chandigarh Airport, wherein the localities of Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Sector 17 Chandigarh, ISBT Sector 43, Fountain Chowk, Himalaya Marg, Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan (Mohali), Jail Road Chowk, Airport Chowk and Aerocity NH-7 Junction and ISBT Zirakpur. The route will join the ISBTs of Mohali and Zirakpur together, which are major transport hubs in the tri-city.
Line 3
Line 3 will be 13 km (8.1 mi) long. It will connect Grain Market Chowk, Sector 39 Chandigarh to Transport Chowk, Sector 26 Chandigarh, wherein the localities of Vikas Marg and Tribune Chowk will have stations in between the route.
PHASE – 2
The second phase of the project will consist of two more lines, taking the total number of lines to five. The network will be 25 km (16 mi) long, thereby increasing the total network length to 109 km (68 mi). It will be constructed after 2037.
Line 1
Line 1 will be 5 km (3.1 mi) long. It will connect Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar.
Line 2
Line 2 will be 20 km (12 mi) long. It will connect ISBT Zirakpur to Pinjore.
Overall, the Chandigarh Metro Project holds immense promise in improving the quality of life, enhancing connectivity, and fostering sustainable urban development in the Chandigarh Capital Region. As the project progresses, it is poised to become a symbol of progress and modernization, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.
So, Chandigarhians, are you ready for the metro revolution?