The Centre has approved two new metro projects in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru worth Rs 24,000 crore, as part of its efforts to fast track the multi-modal integration with bus and rail stations under the PM GatShakti master plan.
The projects include Rithala-Bawana-Narela-Kundli (Haryana) Metro Corridor of DMRC in the NCR region and Phase-3 of Bangalore Metro Rail Project of 44.65 Km with 2 corridors from JP Nagar to Kempapura along ORR and Hosahalli to Kadabagere along Magadi road.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its nod to the projects on Wednesday, after they were examined by the National Planning Board (NPB) on Friday.
The Rithala-Bawana-Narela-Kundli Metro Corridor will have 21 stations and cover a distance of 47.5 km, of which 9.5 km will be elevated and 38 km will be underground. The project cost is estimated at Rs 12,000 crore and the expected completion date is March 2027.
The Phase-3 of Bangalore Metro Rail Project will have 30 stations and cover a distance of 44.65 km, of which 13.9 km will be elevated and 30.75 km will be underground. The project cost is estimated at Rs 12,000 crore and the expected completion date is December 2026.
The implementation of the projects being taken up by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will result in decongestion of roads, travel time savings, fuel cost savings, reliable operation and performance, and reduction in vehicular emission and pollution.
The NPB has recommended that proponents of the project plan for adequate transition infrastructure where inter-modal interface is involved. It was emphasised during the meeting that these projects will play a pivotal role in nation-building by integrating various modes of transport, offer substantial socio-economic benefits and will contribute to the overall development of the region.
The NPB also took up other projects from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Railways pertaining to four laning of highways and construction of a bulb line in Bihar, respectively.
The NPB is a high-level body chaired by the Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and comprising representatives from various ministries and departments. It is mandated to review and monitor the progress of infrastructure projects under the PM GatShakti master plan, which aims to create a holistic and integrated infrastructure network in the country
