In a significant move, the Union Ministry for Housing Affairs and Urban Development (MHAUD) is likely to approve the proposals for MetroLite for Jammu and Srinagar cities.
The initiative comes after reviewing the proposal several times and getting revised plans from the Union Territory administration.
The UT officials have held a couple of meetings with their counterparts in the HA&UD Ministry to give final touch to the proposal.
The Union Ministry plans to introduce a MetroLite system instead of the regular metro rail system that is functional in cities like Delhi.
The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of Jammu and Srinagar Metro rail involved a cost of Rs 10, 599 crore including Rs 5,734 crore for Srinagar and Rs 4,825 crore for Jammu.
A senior official wishing anonymity told Rising Kashmir that in view of this, the Union Ministry for Housing Affairs and Urban Development is expected to clear MetroLite for Jammu and Srinagar cities in consultations with the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
“The MetroNeo was also under consideration earlier but MetroLite appears to be feasible after various studies, assessment and surveys undertaken by the experts, Ministry officials and the UT administration on the routes proposed for the Metro service,” he said.
The official said metro rail lines will primarily consist of elevated corridors, as underground tunnels were deemed impractical.
“The MetroLite system’s coaches are set to feature modern design, incorporating lightweight materials such as stainless steel and aluminum, along with an efficient air-conditioning system, in accordance with the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs),” he said.
MetroLite will boost the public transport system and economic activities and help commuters in safe and early transportation from one part of the City to the other.
In July this year, the Jammu and Kashmir administration submitted a revised proposal to the Union Ministry for Housing Affairs and Urban Development headed by Hardeep Singh Puri.
During his two visits to Jammu last month, Puri had indicated to the BJP leaders about early approval to Metro rail network in Jammu and Srinagar cities.
According to the written reply submitted back in 2021 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affair in Lok Sabha, the requests for financial assistance for the construction of metro projects was received from 5 cities including Jammu and Srinagar.
In the case of the Jammu Light Rail System, it is projected to span 23 kilometers and encompass 22 stations. On the other hand, the Srinagar Light Rail System will extend over a distance of 25 kilometers.
