Gorakhpur, a city in Uttar Pradesh, along the banks of the Rapti River in the Purvanchal Region is famous for its rich culture and heritage. The city is located 272 kms east of the state capital Lucknow. The city lies at an elevation of about 84 meters (276 feet) above sea level. Gorakhpur is famous for its architecture of Gorakhnath Math, a Gorakhnath temple. The city is one of the most flood-vulnerable districts in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Gorakhpur city has been witnessing a significant increase in population with the growing time. As of the 2020 report, the area of the city has increased from 145.5 km2 in 2011 to 226.6 km2 and 31 villages have been incorporated in the municipal corporation limits increasing the population to over 1 million. Due to the increasing population, the city was declared a Metropolis city by the State Government on 22 November 2021.
However, the city witnessed some major challenges due to the population growth, one of them being traffic congestion on the roads of the city. To conquer these challenges the city recognised a need for an efficient and modernised mode of transportation which led to the proposal of Gorakhpur Metrolite, a Light Rapid Transit System (LRT) for the city of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Why a Metrolite System for the Gorakhpur City?
The development of the Metrolite project instead of the regular Metro is beneficial for the city in multifaceted ways. The Primary reasons are mentioned below:
- Low Implementation Cost: Budget constraints are a crucial issue in small cities such as Gorakhpur. The cost of construction for a metro system is extremely high as compared to a metrolite system. For example, a conventional metro system costs about ₹200-300 crores per kilometre, whereas a metrolite system costs around ₹100-200 crore per kilometre. This reduction in the cost of construction makes a metrolite system less expensive, feasible, and possible for Gorakhpur.
- Land Acquisition: Gorakhpur is a densely populated city which creates a major challenge before the project which is land acquisition. Due to this in Gorakhpur, it’s a critical task to acquire land for a metro system. To counter these problems, the authorities designed a metrolite system that should be appropriate for the city since a metrolite system often consists of in-grade tracks and relatively small stations, unlike a metro system and, therefore, solving land acquisition issues.
- Infrastructure Limitation: The expansion capability of the existing infrastructure in Gorakhpur city is limited. To put up a heavy metro system, more land would be needed and more complex infrastructure too. However, the metrolite system infrastructure is less complex and the rolling stock used is smaller in size as well. Thus, the metrolite system is suitable for Gorakhpur city.
Gorakhpur Metrolite Project
Overview
Gorakhpur Metrolite, a Light Rail Transit System (LRT) will consist of 2 corridors and 27 stations. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. ( UPMRCL) is responsible for overseeing the project. The project is estimated to cost Rs 4,672 crore.
The government of Uttar Pradesh appointed UPMRCL as the coordinator in 2017 to accommodate all the stakeholders together and start the construction work for Gorakhpur Metro Phase 1.
Development of DPR
RITES was appointed to create the feasibility report and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Gorakhpur Metrolite Project.
Timeline
- March 2019: The RITES submitted the feasibility report and Detailed Project Report (DPR) to UPMRCL.
- 9 October 2020: The State Government’s Cabinet approved the DPR of the Gorakhpur Metrolite Project.
- November 2021: The Union Government’s Public Investment Board (PIB) approved the DPR of the Project.
Tentative Funding Mechanism
| Source of Funding | Contribution % | Amount in crore | Remarks |
| Central Government (Equity) | 16.32% | 662 | Equal proportion with the state government |
| State Government (Equity) | 16.32% | 662 | Equal proportion with the central government |
| Central Government (Subordinate Debt) | 3.68% | 149 | For central taxes |
| State Government (Subordinate Debt) | 3.68% | 149 | For central taxes |
| Local Bodies Contribution | N/A | 200 | Provided by local authorities |
| Soft Loans from Funding Agencies | N/A | 2,233 | Includes 50% from the European Investment Bank (EIB |
Routes
| Operational: | 0 km |
| Under Construction | 0 km |
| Approved | 0 km |
| Proposed | 27.41 km |
Line-1 – Shyam Nagar – Sooba Bazar
- Length: (16.95 km)
- Type: Elevated
- Depot: Sooba Bazar
- Stations: 16
- Stations Name: Shyam Nagar, Bargadwa, Shastri Nagar, Nathmalpur, Gorakhnath Mandir, Hazaripur, Dharamshala, Gorakhpur Railway Station, University, Mohaddipur, Ramgarh Lake, AIIMS, Malviya Nagar, MMM Engineering College, Divya Nagar, Sooba Bazar
Line-2 – Gulriha – Kachehri Chauraha
- Length: (10.46 km)
- Type: Elevated
- Depot: Mugalaha
- Stations: 11
- Stations Name: Gulariha, BRD Medical College, Mugalaha, Khanjanchi Bazar, Basharatpur, Ashok Nagar, Vishnu Nagar, Asuran Chowk, Dharamshala, Gol Ghar, Kachehri Chauraha
Benefits of Gorakhpur Metrolite
1. Improved Connectivity: A metrolite system in Gorakhpur will connect major city areas including Gorakhnath Math, and Gorakhpur Railway Station. The enhanced connectivity in these areas of the city will facilitate a more efficient and comfortable journey for the commuters reducing the travel time.
2. Reduction in Traffic Congestion: As the population increased, the city experienced an increase in private vehicle ownership correspondingly. A metrolite system will give the city’s people a less polluting and faster mode of transportation which will decrease the traffic jams on the roads of the city, especially during peak hours.
3. Economic Growth: With a metrolite system, the infrastructure of a city like Gorakhpur will become modernised and sophisticated, which will attract more business setups in the city. The construction of a metrolite system will also create more job opportunities, which will enhance the local economies and help in the economic growth of the city.
Roadblocks in Gorakhpur Metrolite
1. Ridership Concern: A prime concern always exists in front of the implementation of every project regarding its ridership level. For Instance, every metro system in India has failed to reach the anticipated ridership. The revenue sustainability of the Gorakhpur Metrolite Project directly depends on its ridership level. In order to bring in feasibility with sustainability, the authorities concerned must devise strategies for Non-Fare Revenue.
Land Acquisition Challenges
As a fully elevated system, the Gorakhpur Metrolite project calls for efficient land acquisition processes. However, securing the needed land in such a densely populated city is quite a challenge. Authorities will need to come up with thorough planning, community engagement, and compensation mechanisms to make this feasible.
Integration with Existing Transport Systems
Smooth integration with existing modes of transport is essential to enhance commuter convenience and improve the overall efficiency of the transport network. The upcoming Metrolite project must establish well-planned connections with local buses, auto-rickshaws, and other public transport systems to ensure a smooth and unified commuting experience.
Conclusion
The Gorakhpur Metrolite project aims to address urban transport challenges in the city, including traffic congestion and limited connectivity. The introduction of this cost-effective and modern mode of transit would support Gorakhpur’s growth as an emerging urban centre. The project’s success will, however, depend on factors such as overcoming the hurdle of land acquisition and achieving adequate ridership. With careful planning, sustainable revenue strategies, and coordinated execution, the Gorakhpur Metrolite can be a tool to enhance urban mobility while becoming a model for transport systems in mid-sized Indian cities.
