O P Sharma
opsharmajournalist@gmail.com
To cope with the menacing rush of ever-increasing heavy traffic of all types of vehicles in the highly populated twin capitals of Jammu and Kashmir UT, the main possible way out is the introduction of fast-track rail metros in the Smart Cities of Jammu and Srinagar. It may be pointed out that perhaps Jammu and Kashmir is the only major part of the country without this metro transport system! Almost all sections of the political spectrum had given election-eve promises to go in for the Metro-Lite mode in the Smart Cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
The Central Government had agreed to launch this alternative transport system to overcome the problem of heavy road traffic in these two cities. Despite announcements by the ruling regime from Delhi, there is not any concrete action visible on the ground.
Metro: Only Way Out
Answering a question by this correspondent at a press conference on March 7 this year, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, agreed to take up this vital issue of introducing the metro rail mode in both cities of Jammu and Srinagar with the Central Government. He had then also stated that the entire transport system (which is the main mode of transportation) would be further strengthened and streamlined.
The Bharatiya Janata Party and others, in their election manifesto, had assured the introduction of a rail metro system in both Smart Cities of Jammu and Srinagar for public convenience. The general masses in the entire UT have been eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of this promise of having a metro system. The entire spectrum of political parties and the leadership have been eagerly looking forward to such a mode of transportation to meet the challenges of the transport system.
All the citizens of J&K UT are in favor of such an efficient, convenient, and modern mode of travel in line with other states so that Jammu and Kashmir too come up on the map of metro travel. A historic beginning has been made by linking the Kashmir Valley through the highest railway bridge with all parts of India, which is a marvelous feature in establishing strong and unique bonds. It is reliably learnt that the Jammu Metro is proposed as a light urban rail system designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve public transportation in Jammu and Srinagar cities.
Convenient, Speedy Travel
It’s technically classified as “Metro-Lite,” which is a cheaper, smaller, and elevated version of a traditional metro – more suitable for our small cities.
Addressing traffic congestion in Jammu and Kashmir requires a multi-faceted approach involving infrastructure development, efficient traffic management, public awareness, and policy enforcement. By implementing these solutions, this part of India can enhance the quality of life for its residents, boost economic productivity, and preserve its natural environment for greater attraction of visitors, tourists, and pilgrims.
The collaboration between government authorities, private sectors, and the public is essential for achieving sustainable traffic management and creating high-speed travel in congested areas of almost all the cities across the country. The utility of this metro mode of public travel, with high speed, convenience, comfort, security, and low cost, has always proved useful. The concept of metro-mode travel solves many of the critical problems and issues of public conveyance in a Smart City like Jammu or Srinagar, which are age-old capitals, and the way to solve many traffic issues is through a metro.
Project Gathering Dust
The Jammu Metro project has been proposed by the J&K UT’s Housing and Urban Development Department and is estimated to cost Rs. 4,825 crores in Phase 1. This system will have a total route length of 43.50 km, consisting of 4 lines and 22 stations, and was to be completed in two phases.
The J&K Administration had announced plans to introduce a metro rail system in Jammu city and hired the services of the infrastructure development enterprise RITES. Additionally, the Government approached the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to prepare a detailed project report, including feasibility and financial viability.
As of July 4, 2023, the J&K Administration has proposed the introduction of metro lines in Srinagar and Jammu cities, as reported in sections of the media. The proposal includes a 25 km metro line in Srinagar and a 23 km line in Jammu. With the aim of boosting connectivity and convenience for commuters, the J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has expressed the administration’s focus on implementing the Metro-Lite system due to its cost-effectiveness and viability. This proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for consultation.
Centre-UT Administration’s Efforts
The Jammu Metro project will be taken up in two separate phases. The first phase will consist of two lines – Bantalab-Satwari-Greater Kailash – with a length of 17 km having 17 stations (some elevated type), and the main depot of the metro is proposed in Bantalab. The second phase, with 16 km, will link Exhibition Ground-Udheywala, covering a length of six km and six stations, with its main depot in Udheywala, Jammu.
As per reports, RITES submitted its Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Ministry of Home and Urban Affairs for both Jammu and Srinagar metro projects simultaneously, estimated to cost around Rs 10,559 crores. Tendering will be initiated once the project is approved by the PMO and the Union Cabinet, the report indicated.
As of now, metro service has not yet started. J&K UT still has to appear on the Metro Map of India, while Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, and other cities have a wide network of metro systems for travel.
Will the Central Government and the J&K UT Administration put their heads and hands together to take up this dream metro project and ensure its completion expeditiously to fulfill these promises made to the people by the political spectrum and come up to the expectations of the people?
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