The Tricity Metro project linking Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula received a major boost from the centre. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) gave approval for running all metro lines underground in Chandigarh from sectors 1 to 30. This decision aims to preserve the city’s heritage and architectural integrity.
This decision stemmed from the recommendations of the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee’s sub-panel, which emphasised the preservation of the city’s heritage.
As per the report prepared by RITES for the 154-km Metro network across the Tricity, the corridor was originally planned to feature elevated tracks and stations.
The newly sanctioned proposal for Chandigarh’s metro network incorporates roughly 8 kilometres of elevated tracks from a planned 20 kilometres. The decision was made with careful consideration to preserve the city’s aesthetic landscape.
Phase 1 of the Tricity Metro Project will feature 3 corridors that will run through Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. The corridor passing through Chandigarh’s heritage sectors (1 to 30) is planned to be constructed underground. By situating this segment underground, the project aims to minimise visual disruption and maintain the city’s iconic urban landscape. The work of Phase 1 is likely to commence by 2027.
On the other hand, the other two corridors in Phase 1 of the Tricity Metro Project will feature elevated sections, with some segments also running underground.
Looking ahead to Phase 2, which focuses on Mohali and Panchkula, the plan primarily includes elevated sections.
Funding of Tricity Metro Project
The Tricity Metro Project will finance approximately 20% of its funding from each of the states involved, Haryana and Punjab, with an additional 20% contributed by the central government. The remaining 60% of the estimated Rs 10,570 crore project cost will be secured through loans from a lending agency.
