Uttarakhand, known as “ Devbhoomi”, the second fastest growing state in India is a Northern Indian state known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic views. It is bordered by Himachal Pradesh to the northwest, Tibet to the north, Nepal to the west, and Uttar Pradesh to the south and southeast, with a small part touching Haryana in the west. Most of the northern part of the state is covered by high Himalayan peaks and glaciers. The most crucial part of Uttarakhand’s economy is agriculture.
While Dehradun serves as the state capital of Uttarakhand, Nainital is the judicial capital of Uttrakhand. However, due to a boost in tourism and rapid urbanisation in Uttarakhand specifically in the Dehradun city, the state started witnessing major issues like traffic congestion. To conquer these challenges an idea of a metro system in the state of Uttarakhand was proposed. The Uttarakhand Metro will provide a more efficient mode of transport to the locals and residents of Uttarakhand by enhancing the connectivity between the cities. The metro system will also foster the economic growth of the state by modernising the transportation infrastructure in the state.
Overview of Uttarakhand Metro
The Uttarakhand Metro is a Mass Rapid Transit System ( MRTS) consisting of two corridors proposed to connect Haridwar – Rishikesh – Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation Limited (UKMRC), a special-purpose vehicle and venture of the Government of Uttarakhand is the authorised authority responsible for the execution of the Uttarakhand Metro Project.
Need for Metro System in Uttarakhand
Traffic congestion: The cities of Uttarakhand have been facing major traffic congestion during tourist seasons and peak hours. Cities like Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh of Uttarakhand witnessed a significant increase in the registration of private vehicles. The situation becomes particularly critical during peak hours, with the growth of commercial activities on both sides of the road and the on-street parking of private vehicles by residents further exacerbating the problem. To address the severe traffic congestion on the road the state saw a need for a more reliable and efficient alternate mode of transportation.
Growing population: The state has been witnessing a major increase in population due to rapid urbanisation. As per the 2011 Census, Uttarakhand had a population of approximately 10.1 million, reflecting a decadal growth rate of 18.81% compared to the 2001 Census.
Haridwar District spans an area of 2,360 sq. km and is home to a population of 1,890,422 as per the Census 2011. In comparison, Dehradun District covers a larger area of 3,088 sq. km and has a population of 1,698,569 according to the same census data. The growing population has led to major challenges in the state, one of them being the lack of effective modes of transportation.
Timeline:
December 2016: A Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Uttarakhand state government and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Uttarakhand Metro.
June 2020: Uttarakhand’s Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) gave approval for a Comprehensive Mobility Plan. This plan encompassed the 73 km Dehradun – Rishikesh – Haridwar metro project.
The Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) approved the 73 km metro rail corridor planned for Uttarakhand.
Key specification
| Authorised Authority | Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation |
| Speed and track | Top speed: 70 km/hr Average speed: 25 km/hr Track gauge: Standard gauge- 1,435 mm |
| Safety and electrification | 750 V DC Third Rail Overhead Line |
| Train Configuration | 3 Coaches |
| Estimated cost | ₹40,150 crore |
Routes
| Operational: 0 km | Under Construction: 0 km | Proposed: 73 Km |
Phase 1
Line-1: Haridwar – Rishikesh
- Length: 32 km
- Type: Elevated & At-Grade
- Number of Stations: 10
Phase 2
Line-2: Nepali Farm – Dehradun
- Length: 41 km
- Type: Elevated & At-Grade
Metro Neo Projects in Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation (UKMRC) is spearheading the Metro Neo Project in Uttarakhand. It aims to establish a rapid transit system in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.
1. Dehradun Metro Neo Project
Approval and Planning:
In its 16th meeting which was held on 4 May 2021, the board approved DPR for two First Order Transit Corridors in Dehradun.
Proposed network: 22.424 km with 25 stations.
Implementation Model: SPV (60:40).
Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation (UKMRC) was directed to seek approvals from the Government of Uttarakhand (GoUK) and the Government of India (GoI).
Approval Process:
The State Government approved the DPR and forwarded it to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on 12.01.2022.
On 31 August 2022, the Net Worth Planning Group (NPG) recommended the project for approval, currently under review by MoHUA.
2. Haridwar–Rishikesh Metro Neo Project
Approval and Planning:
In its 15th meeting on 13.04.2021, the board directed to prepare the DPR for the project.
Proposed network: 34.148 km with 20 stations.
DPR prepared by UKMRC.
Benefits of Uttarakhand Metro
Enhanced connectivity: A metro system in Uttarakhand will improve accessibility in the state by linking the major cities like Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. This will improve the connectivity in the state by allowing the residents and tourists to commute between the cities more conveniently.
Reduced Traffic Congestion: Dehradun being an urban city has been facing major challenges regarding the increased number of vehicles and traffic congestion on the road due to the attraction of more tourists. A metro system in the cities of Uttarakhand will alleviate severe traffic congestion in the cities by providing an efficient mode of transportation.
Increased Economic activities: With increased connectivity, the city will attract more businesses to set up in the cities leading to more job creation and a boost in local economies. This will increase the employment rate of the cities which will enhance the economic growth of the state.
Boost to Tourism: The Uttarakhand government has been aiming to promote more tourism in the state. The metro system can contribute to that as improved accessibility between the tourist destinations and reduced travel time between the cities will attract more tourists to the cities boosting the tourism and economic growth of the state.
Challenges in Uttarakhand Metro
Geographical factors: The mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand presents considerable engineering challenges for constructing elevated tracks and stations. The region’s topography necessitates meticulous planning and the application of advanced engineering solutions to ensure structural stability and safety throughout the construction process.
Ridership Concern: Out of all the existing metro systems in India, till date no single metro system has reached its expected ridership level. For instance, the Pune Metro underestimated the cost due to high expectations from the ridership level but they ultimately failed. Due to this the ridership level always remains a challenge before planning and execution of any metro system.
Bureaucratic Delays: The DPR Report of the project has been submitted to the Central Government by DMRC but the project has been facing delays and pending approvals from the government for a year and a half. Due to these bureaucratic hurdles, the project is witnessing slow progress which is hampering the execution of the metro system in Uttarakhand.
Funding Constraints: The successful execution of the metro system in Uttarakhand requires secure and adequate funding. However, due to pending approvals and delays the funding mechanism for the project has not been decided. A clear financial strategy is required to make the project sustainable.
Integration with other modes of transport: For efficient operations and maximum use of infrastructure, the integration of the metro system with existing modes of transport is critical. Without proper connectivity, the passengers may find difficulties in commuting impacting the overall performance of the metro system.
Conclusion
The Uttarakhand Metro project was incorporated into a Comprehensive Mobility Plan which was approved on June 11, 2020. The project aims to address critical transportation challenges and streamline connectivity specifically in Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. Once operational, the Uttarakhand Metro project will accommodate the growing population of these cities and decongest the roads by decreasing the number of private vehicles. Additionally, the project will provide a boost to the economic and tourism industry and attract a major portion of the population to opt for the metro system.However, the project faces challenges, including complex geographical terrain, ridership concerns, bureaucratic delays, and funding constraints.Ensuring the project’s success will require proactive planning, efficient execution, and collaboration between stakeholders to overcome these challenges and deliver a reliable, sustainable transportation system to the residents of Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Instead of a metro they should be put a cap on the number of vehicles allowed to enter the city. The residents don’t want to reach Rishikesh and Haridwar quickly. We merely want the green city we adored back along with the ease to travel around the city and go to Mussoorie like we used to without getting stuck in traffic. But who wants to go to Mussoorie either, they have ruined that as well. Pathetic government.
Please save uttrakhand culture and beauty first, it’s DEVBHOOMI which is being ruin by tourist by drugs and alcohal. Pls save the trees and mountain too..
project is too expencive , number of daily travelers are from door to door used two whillers , personal vichel 2 wheelers is cost efective in this area , govt is building metro but requirement is different here. dehradun local bus is best for local , govt is not doing any thing for people transport. metro is high cost project and commission on this will be 20% of cost that is only reason to devlop metro here. people are with out 30 feet roads on their area in dehradun , rishikesh, some part of haridwar.
Govt is not doing proper planing to devlop city, private and politician are devloping un planned area with out approval.
people are forced to live in that area.
no action is taken for unauthoriswed building 80% of devlopmant is unauthorised back by politicians.
Central govt must take action aginst unautorised devlopment.
MLA of every area are mostly envolve.