Chandigarh Metro To Transform Transit With Underground Routes Through Heritage Sectors-Key Details

Chandigarh: The tri-city metro project in Chandigarh, approved in July 2023, is set to revolutionise urban transportation by incorporating underground routes through the city’s heritage sectors. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has endorsed this approach, following recommendations from the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee, prioritising the preservation of the city’s planned heritage over the initial proposal by Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) for predominantly elevated tracks.

An official privy to the meeting held in Delhi last fortnight revealed that the stretch from PGI to Transport Chowk will now be underground. Similarly, the metro line from Sukhna Lake to the Sector 43 bus stand will also run underground. This adjustment aims to preserve the skyline and green spaces of the city.

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the metro, prepared by RITES, is currently under review. Despite this, the suggested routes have received approval from the governments of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh.

Phase 1 routes are designed to be partly overground and partly underground. Elevated sections will be situated on the outskirts of Punjab and Haryana, while underground stretches within the central grid will help preserve green spaces and landmarks, as per an Indian Express report.

Phase 1 Route Details:

Route 1: From Paroul in New Chandigarh to Sector 28 in Panchkula, spanning approximately 32 km. Key areas covered include Sarangpur, PGI, Panjab University, Madhya Marg, and Chandigarh railway station, with the PGI to Transport Chowk segment planned underground.

Route 2: Extending around 36 km, connecting Sukhna Lake to Zirakpur Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), passing through Mohali ISBT and Chandigarh Airport. The stretch from Sukhna Lake to Sector 43 is designated to be underground.

Route 3: Approximately 14 km long, running from Grain Market Chowk in Sector 39 to Transport Chowk in Sector 26, covering Vikas Marg and Tribune Chowk. This line will be fully elevated.

Chandigarh has faced increasing traffic congestion, partly due to housing the offices and assemblies of both Punjab and Haryana. With 1.3 million registered vehicles as of 2023, the metro aims to alleviate road congestion and improve commuter accessibility.

Underground Stretches:

Route 1: From PGI to Transport Chowk

Route 2: From Sukhna Lake to Sector 43

Overground Stretches:

Route 1: From Paroul, New Chandigarh, to PGI

Route 2: From Transport Chowk to Sector 28, Panchkula

Route 3: From Sector 43 to ISBT Zirakpur via Mohali ISBT and Chandigarh Airport

Route 4: From Grain Market Chowk to Transport Chowk