GHAZIABAD (Metro Rail News): The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) is getting ready to launch three routes of Neo metro around the city. Recently, the first route from Vaishali to Mohan Nagar, the second route from Noida Sector 62 to Rapid Station Sahibabad, and the third route from Hindon River Bank Metro Station to Rajnagar Extension were all inspected by Anoop Agarwal, Executive Director of the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC).
The three suggested routes have been found suitable for Neo Metro operation after a preliminary examination by MMRC. The Ghaziabad Development Authority now shall discuss how to move the project forward once MMRC submits the preliminary result of the inspection to the GDA this week.
What is Metro Neo
Metro developments require a lot of capital. MetroLite and MetroNeo have emerged as alternatives to traditional metro rail because of the significant capital expenditure aspect of the metro rail. The standard specification for the rubber-tired electric coach known as MetroNeo, which runs on a road slab with exclusive right of way and is powered by an overhead traction system was introduced in November 2020.
In terms of comfort, convenience, safety, punctuality, reliability, and environmental friendliness, it offers a similar experience and ease of travel as that of a traditional metro system. This is appropriate for tier-2 cities and can be built at around 25% cost of a traditional metro system.
MetroNeo‘s cheap capital cost is ascribed, among other things, to its lower axle load (10 tonnes), much lighter civil structure, absence of track and signalling, open and straightforward station design, and need for low power rated electrical equipment.
The first Metro Neo project in the nation is the 32 km long Nashik Metro Neo Project in Maharashtra. The two-corridor project received Cabinet clearance in March 2021 and is scheduled to be finished in four years. In a similar vein, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is making preparations to introduce Neo Metro between Kirti Nagar and Dwarka.
Cheaper compared to a Ropeway
The Ghaziabad Development Authority July last year proposed the Vaishali-Mohan Nagar ropeway project. The 5.17 km ropeway project from Vaishali to Mohan Nagar is estimated to cost around Rs 450 crore; however, the same distance may be covered by the Neo Metro project for only 416 crore rupees. After the release of the MMRC’s preliminary report, the cost situation will become evident. The GDA will find it simpler to finish the project due to the lower cost.
For the past four months, residents of the Trans Hindon area have been protesting the GDA’s ropeway project. People are using social media and other channels to voice their opposition to the ropeway in conjunction with the ongoing sit-in protest.
In such a scenario, efforts are also being made to put an end to the populace’s protest by moving the Neo Metro project forward.
First two projects being the priority
According to GDA Chief Engineer Rakesh Kumar Gupta, the MMRC’s preliminary assessment would also include details about the project’s cost. After reviewing the preliminary report, work will begin on creating the detailed project report (DPR).
The first route from Vaishali to Mohan Nagar and the second route from Noida Sector-62 to Sahibabad Rapid Rail Station project are those that the GDA would want to prioritise.
The state will have Metro, MetroLite, and MetroNeo rail systems if the project is approved. The state already has functioning metro networks in Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Kanpur. The state government is working on expanding the services to Agra, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Bareilly, Jhansi and Prayagraj. The project is nearing completion in Agra.
Additionally, Gorakhpur MetroLite has been proposed by Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail. Official sources claim that the project is awaiting Central Cabinet approval.
