Srinagar, Aug 03: The metro rail would be a reality in Jammu and Kashmir by 2026 as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been making all efforts to boost the public transport system in the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor intends to boost the connectivity and conveniences for commuters in Jammu and Kashmir and is making all efforts to implement the MetroLite system due to its cost-effectiveness and viability.
According to details available with Morning Kashmir, one of metro rail projects is expected to be completed by 2026 in J&K.
The Jammu light rail system would have a 23 km length with 22 stations between Bantalab and Bari Brahmana.
The Srinagar light rail system would have a 25 km length that includes a 12.5 km length from Indira Nagar to HMT junction and a 12.5 km length from Hazuri Bagh to Osmanabad with 24 stations – 12 stations on each corridor.
The Detailed Project Report for the light metro rail transit system for Srinagar and Jammu cities has been finalized and submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The cost of the project will be Rs 7942 crore.
As per the given report, Jammu light metro would operate 17 hours a day round the year, while Srinagar Light Metro would run 17 hours daily during summers but 14 hours during winters.
The metro rail lines would have only elevated corridors, as the underground tunnels were not found to be feasible.
As per the DPRs, the coaches of the metrolite system would be modern, lightweight, and made from stainless steel and aluminum with an air-conditioning system.
MetroLite is a light urban rail transit system that involves reduced costs and lower capacity as compared to traditional metro rail systems. Lower capital expenditure; reduced operation and maintenance costs are some of the advantages of MetroLite, making it a more viable option for the region.
This system can also serve as a feeder system to the conventional metro rail system. Its light civil structure, lower power requirements, smaller stations, and lower operation contribute to the cost-effectiveness of MetroLite.
