Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Aug 8 : Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready for the Light Transit Metro train for the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, at a cost of around Rs.10,599 crore.
Disclosing this here today, while referring to a number of developmental breakthroughs achieved during the last one year after 5th and 6th August 2019, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, the railway consultancy firm RITES Limited has submitted the final DPR for both the cities and the metro project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. He said, the significance of the project can be realized from the fact that the first train to reach Jammu & Kashmir had taken more than two decades after independence and the first railway station came up in Jammu only in 1970s whereas, moving on a fast track under the Modi government, we have succeeded in making a breakthrough by introducing a metro train project for cost-effective and sustainable public transport.
The Light Metro transit system, said Dr Jitendra Singh, is proposed to run 17 hours a day throughout the year in Jammu, whereas in Srinagar it will run 17 hours a day during summers but only 14 hours a day during winters. The metro rail line will have only elevated corridors as the underground tunnels were not found feasible in Jammu & Kashmir. The Light Metro transit system in Jammu will have its first corridor from Bantalab to Bari Brahmana whereas in Srinagar it will have its first corridor from Indira Nagar to HMT station.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the elevated metro system will not only facilitate people but also have a positive impact on the economy and the quality of life. As per the DPR prepared, he informed that metro coaches will be modern lightweight and made from stainless steel and aluminium body, with an air conditioning system.
Meanwhile, Dr Jitendra Singh said, it is a matter of pride that the highest railway bridge of the world is coming up on river Chenab in Reasi and is likely to be completed by next year. He further informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be approached to carry out the formal inauguration of this prestigious project of international standards.
After some initial issues, revealed Dr Jitendra Singh, the work on railway line to connect with Kashmir valley is in full swing and it is expected that by 2022, Srinagar and other parts of the valley will be connected with the rest of India directly by rail.
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