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The future of Chandigarh's metro project remains uncertain due to concerns over financial feasibility and ridership levels. Estimated at INR 24,142 crore, including escalation and taxes, the metro's operational costs are projected to rise significantly. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar highlighted that Chandigarh's ridership may not justify such expenses, prompting consideration of alternatives like a 'Pod Taxi' system, which aligns with the city's heritage and infrastructure. While Phase 1 of the metro has been approved, delays are likely as the Unified Metro Transportation Authority evaluates financial sustainability. Authorities aim to identify cost-effective transport solutions to address Chandigarh's traffic challenges.
The construction of a metro system in Chandigarh remains uncertain, as concerns over financial feasibility have stalled progress. Once viewed as the solution to the Tricity's traffic and parking issues, the metro's prospects have dimmed significantly by the year's end. Officials now question whether Chandigarh's ridership levels can justify the substantial costs associated with the project. Advertisement
During a press conference in Chandigarh on November 8, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, stated that the city lacks the necessary ridership to support a metro system. He mentioned that various solutions, such as underground, elevated, or mixed metro systems, were being considered, with their feasibility largely dependent on projected ridership. He explained that Chandigarh's ridership numbers are insufficient for a metro project and added that, besides the cost of setting up the system, the operational costs and long-term financial sustainability must also be taken into account.
Alternatives to the metro are now being considered, with the concept of a 'Pod Taxi' system emerging as a potential option. Supporting this idea, Khattar added that such a system would align well with Chandigarh's heritage and infrastructure, as it could be constructed along road dividers. To assess the metro project's feasibility, a committee was formed by the Chandigarh administration following the third meeting of the Unified Metro Transportation Authority (UMTA) held in September. The committee is tasked with examining the financial viability of the metro and evaluating alternative transport solutions to alleviate traffic congestion. The review will include an analysis of CAG reports on other metro projects.
The estimated construction cost of Chandigarh's metro project, as outlined in the Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) by the Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited (RITES) in July, is approximately INR 21,179 crore. When factoring in escalation and taxes, the completion cost rises to INR 24,142 crore. Additional costs, such as land acquisition and operation and maintenance (O&M), remain undefined but are expected to be substantial. The O&M costs alone are projected to increase from INR 633 crore in 2031 to INR 3,799 crore by 2056.
Phase 1 of the metro project, covering 77 kilometres across three corridors, has been approved by the UMTA. However, the construction timeline, estimated at four years and six months, may face further delays as the project's viability continues to be debated. The high costs and uncertain ridership have cast doubts on the metro's future, prompting authorities to explore alternatives. The 'Pod Taxi' system, if implemented, could offer a cost-effective and heritage-friendly solution to the city's transport needs.
As the new year approaches, the fate of Chandigarh's metro project remains undecided. While the possibility of metro construction lingers, the focus has shifted towards finding a financially viable and sustainable solution to the city's growing transport challenges. Whether through the metro, pod taxis, or other innovations, addressing Chandigarh's urban mobility issues will require careful planning and a balanced approach.
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