Jammu And Kashmir Seeks Approval For Region’s First Metro Lines In Srinagar And Jammu Cities

The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for the construction of two metro lines in the region.

The metro lines are proposed for Srinagar and Jammu cities.

The proposal, on approval, will mark the first metro line in J&K and is expected to greatly enhance the public transportation system in both cities.

Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha confirmed that the proposal has been sent for ministerial consultation, as per Indian Express report.

Given the geographical constraints of the region, a full-fledged metro line like the one in Delhi may not be feasible for J&K. Therefore, the administration has proposed the implementation of a MetroLite system.

There were discussions regarding the possibility of a MetroNeo system, but for the time being, the focus is on MetroLite, stated LG Sinha.

During his two visits to Jammu last month, MoHUA Union Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri had indicated to the BJP leaders about early approval to Metro rail network in the two cities.

The proposed plan includes a 25 km metro line in Srinagar and a 23 km metro line in Jammu. These lines will serve as crucial transportation arteries, facilitating the movement of people within and between the two cities.

As per a written reply submitted by the MoHUA in Lok Sabha in December 2021, Srinagar and Jammu were among five cities for which respective governments had sought financial assistance from the Centre.

The Ministry states that "MetroLite" is a cost-effective light urban rail transit system with lower capacity. It has a reduced capital cost and lower operation and maintenance expenses, making it a more viable option for the region.

The Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of Jammu and Srinagar Metro rail involved a cost of Rs 10, 599 crore — including Rs 5,734 crore for Srinagar and Rs 4,825 crore for Jammu, as per reports.

The metro rail lines will have only elevated corridors as the underground tunnels were not found feasible.

The Jammu metro system, spanning 23 km, is proposed to have with 22 stations between Bantalab and Bari Brahmana.

Further, the Srinagar metro system is proposed to include — a 12.5-kilometre length from Indira Nagar to HMT Junction and 12.5-kilometer length from Hazuri Bagh to Osmanabad with 24 stations — 12 stations on each corridor.