Chandigarh Metro: RITES Seeks DPR Approval, Haryana Delays Funding – News18

Chandigarh‘s Tricity Metro Project Awaits Haryana’s Funding as RITES Seeks DPR Approval

The Chandigarh administration has been waiting for Haryana to fulfill its financial commitment towards the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Tricity Metro project. The Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), responsible for constructing the comprehensive mobility plan for Tricity, has formally requested written consent from the administration to initiate the DPR process.

According to information reported by The Indian Express, the commencement of DPR work is contingent on the full settlement of outstanding dues. Officials have clarified that while Punjab has already submitted its financial contribution in August, Haryana has been reminded to do the same.

A senior Chandigarh administration officer told Indian Express, “We are waiting for Haryana’s contribution. RITES is seeking permission to begin the preparation of DPR. In fact, we have been informed that Haryana is facing an issue regarding under which head they have to pay this amount – it has to come either from the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikarant (HSVP) or they have to generate a new head. Punjab has deposited the fund from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).”

In August, the Punjab government contributed Rs 1.37 crore towards its share for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Metro project, and Haryana is expected to release a similar amount to fulfill its commitment.

Back in July, the Chandigarh administration had made the decision to involve all stakeholders, including Haryana and Punjab, in the creation of the Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and the DPR for the metro rail, aligning with the guidelines of the Government of India.

According to RITES, the estimated cost for the DPR preparation stands at Rs 6.54 crore, with an anticipated completion date of March 2024, followed by subsequent approvals. In terms of financing the entire Metro project, it was agreed that the states would contribute 20 percent, the Center 20 percent, and the remaining 60% would be sourced from a lending agency. The tentative budget for the Metro project is approximately Rs 10,570 crore.

In the revised Metro plan, phase 1 of the project for the Chandigarh Tricity region is set to encompass approximately 77 km of the metro rail network. The majority of this network is expected to be constructed above ground, although the final decision on this matter will be made during the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation.

Out of the 77 km stretch, 35 km will be located in Chandigarh, 11 km in Panchkula, and 31 km in Mohali/New Chandigarh. The development of the first phase is scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2037.