Chandigarh Metro project felt to be financially inviable till 2051
The Chandigarh Metro project has been left in limbo considering that it is felt to be financially unviable till 2051. This is due to the inadequate projected peak-hour, peak-direction traffic (PHPDT) that it is expected to attract. However, if it is given the green signal inspite of this hurdle, there can be other alternatives that can result in considerable savings. These include employing the latest technologies like driver-less trains.
Detailed Project Report prepared by DMRC:
The detailed project report for the metro project was prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and submitted to the administration in 2012. This report was quoted by the Chandigarh and Punjab chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) in its report to the Ministry of Urban Development. This report was also presented before a board in charge of Urban Transport (UT) which is responsible for hearing objections on the draft master plan.
Current PHPDT considerably less that the feasible limit:
It is estimated that the expected transport demand on mass transit corridors in 2018 would be between 7,007 PHPDT (peak-hour, peak-direction traffic) on the north-south corridor and 6,711 PHPDT on east-west corridor. It is expected that this demand would exponentially increase to 31,407 PHPDT and 13,303 PHPDT respectively, by 2041. However, the metro can be considered to be economically feasible only if the PHPDT is between 40,000-70,000. In the case of Chandigarh is felt that this figure can be reached only by 2051. Hence it is felt that the metro may not currently be a viable option to solve the traffic woes of its commuters.
Integration of Chandigarh with neighbouring areas proposed:
According to a study undertaken by RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service), it has been found that the most of the traffic inflow into Chandigarh city is from neighbouring areas. It is estimated that more than 4 lakh commuters enter Chandigarh from surrounding areas like Mohali, Zirakpur, Panchkula, Kharar, Pinjore and Rajpura. Hence, it is essential to integrate all these areas by means of an efficient transport system. This will enable them to be connected with the city as well.
Cross system of network not feasible for Chandigarh:
As far as the Chandigarh metro project is concerned, a cross system of network has been proposed by the DMRC. However, it is felt that this system may not be feasible for the Chandigarh region. This system is also felt to be one of the most inefficient mass rapid transport systems (MRTS) in the world, considering that it has never been used in any major city in the world.
