Chandigarh Administration to prepare Metro report despite low ridership projections
Despite lower-than-expected ridership projections, the UT Administration will go ahead to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed Metro. This was announced by Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar during a media interaction.
The minister had chaired a review meeting to assess the progress and strategic planning of urban development and power projects in the city.
Expressing reservations about the viability of Metro in the city, the minister cited the need for an assessment of its ridership potential. “We will prepare a DPR, but given the low ridership figures, we are also exploring alternatives like a pod taxi system,” he stated. “Even if we manage the capital expenditure initially, the operational costs must be sustained without imposing excessive fares,” he added.
The minister noted that both new and existing information will be analysed to assess the feasibility of the Metro system for the city, with careful consideration given to preserving its heritage status. Solutions being explored include an underground, elevated or mixed metro system, with viability depending largely on projected ridership. Additionally, a “Pod Taxi” system using mono-pillar technology with a capacity of eight-10 passengers was proposed to further enhance connectivity and ease road congestion.
To bolster eco-friendly transportation, the “PM e-Bus Seva” cluster, proposed by Punjab, would connect the tricity area with an extensive network of electric buses. This plan is aimed at serving the approximately 2.5 million residents, with Chandigarh requesting 100 electric buses to replace aging diesel ones reaching their 15-year period. Khattar assured the UT Administration of full support for this initiative.
Lal dora restrictions
The minister emphasised the removal of “Lal Dora” restrictions in urban areas rather than their extension, with plans for amendments to existing rules to facilitate this change. On the topic of housing, he addressed the issue of Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) allotments for over 4,000 employees, assuring that a decision focused on employee welfare would soon be reached.
He proposed that a demo floating solar power plant, similar to the one at Sector 39, be installed at Sukhna Lake to promote public awareness of sustainable energy.
The minister underscored advancements in waste management, emphasising efficient waste processing and recycling initiatives. A potential partnership with the National Thermal Power Corporation to convert waste into charcoal is also under consideration, with plans to set up a waste-to-charcoal unit in the city. He further encouraged Chandigarh’s participation in the newly introduced “Golden Category” in Swachh Survekshan, which would motivate municipal bodies to improve cleanliness rankings. The city, which ranked 11th in 2023, is now aiming for a spot in the top five cleanest cities of the country.
Khattar also highlighted the success of 100% door-to-door waste collection, covering dry, wet, sanitary, domestic and horticultural waste. He acknowledged the positive impact of the PM SuryaGhar scheme in the tri-city area.
