The twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar may soon have Metro Rail under the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) for which the RITES India Ltd has prepared a detailed project report (DPR). Principal Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring, Rohit Kansal, reviewed feasibility of the MRTS for Jammu Metro and Srinagar Metro on Friday.
The DPR includes MRTS Master Plan, development of travel demand model and traffic forecast for these cities up to 2045, alignment design for Metro, environmental and social impact assessment, cost estimates and implementation strategy.
As per the DPR, the total length of the MRTS network in Phase-I for both the cities would be 90 kms including 54 kms in Srinagar and 36 kms in Jammu.
Speaking at the meeting, Kansal said that for inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth process, an efficient urban transport system including MRTS is vital. He said the rail-based MRTS system like elsewhere in the country has become a necessity in the State given the traffic congestion and growing vehicle population.
It was decided in the meeting that suggestions and views of the stakeholders would be sought to proceed further on the introduction of MRTS in Srinagar and Jammu.
Financial Commissioner, Housing & Urban Development, K B Agarwal, Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Manoj K Dwivedi, CEO ERA, Raghav Langer, Director General, Planning, Shahzada Bilal, Chief Engineers and officials of Town Planning Organization attended the meeting.