Srinagar and Jammu Metro Projects Set to Transform Urban Transportation Landscape
Srinagar and Jammu Metro Projects Set to Transform Urban Transportation Landscape
Multi-Crore Elevated Light Metro Ventures Approved, Expected to Alleviate Traffic Congestion and Boost Commuter Convenience in Kashmir’s Twin Capitals
Bashir Beigh
SRINAGAR: The Srinagar and Jammu Metro Project, a significant undertaking, is poised to commence this year in both cities. Approved by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s Public Investment Board, this multi-crore initiative has received the green light from and the LG administration. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that work on the elevated light metro rail in Srinagar and Jammu is expected to kick off within the current financial year.
Scheduled for launch during 2024-2025, these metro projects aim to alleviate traffic congestion in the respective capitals while enhancing commuter convenience. The projects, awaiting Union Cabinet approval, are touted as multi-billion dollar transportation ventures. Once approved, they will significantly improve mobility in Srinagar and Jammu, offering safe, reliable, and sustainable public transportation.
The proposed elevated metro in Srinagar spans 25 km at a cost of Rs. 4,352 crore, while the Jammu counterpart covers 23 km at Rs. 3,590 crore. These projects, aimed at providing best-in-class mobility, have undergone rigorous evaluation, with the final Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in July 2021.
Expected to be operational by 2024-25 and fully completed by December 2026, the metro systems will operate predominantly on elevated corridors, with modern, air-conditioned coaches made of stainless steel and aluminum. Jammu’s light metro will operate for 17 hours daily throughout the year, while Srinagar’s service will run for 17 hours in summer and 14 hours in winter.
The projects mark a significant milestone, positioning Srinagar and Jammu as the first non-major cities in India to boast functional rapid transport networks. With convenience for commuters and positive economic and lifestyle impacts anticipated, the elevated metro systems promise to transform transportation in these capitals.
