In a major development, the Punjab government has agreed to provide 50 acres

Chandigarh Metro project Latest News: In a major development, the Punjab government has agreed to provide 50 acres in New Chandigarh for the construction of a depot for the Metro project. Notably, the land does not fall in the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA)-protected areas.

According to information, a senior official of the Punjab government said that they have no issue in releasing 50 acres for the construction of a depot, but as of now, they were checking with the forest department to ensure that it falls in the de-listed area.

He further said that upon receiving a clearance from the forest department, they will inform the UT administration. 

It is being reported that the depot would be used for carrying out inspection and maintenance works.

Likewise, the Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) prepared by Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) stated that there was a proposal for two depots, one in the new Chandigarh and another in the Zirakpur. However, the Punjab government refused to provide land in the Zirakpur. Instead of this, an alternative depot will come up in sector 27, Panchkula, for which the Haryana government has given its nod.

According to the plan, the construction for the first phase of the project will begin in 2027 and end by 2034, while another phase 2 development will start in 2037. 

There were three routes in phase 1; Sultanpur, New Chandigarh, to Sector 28, Panchkula (34 km); Sukhna Lake to Zirakpur ISBT via Mohali ISBT and Chandigarh airport (41.20 km); and from Grain Market Chowk, Sector 39, to Transport Chowk, Sector 26 (13.30 km), apart from a 2.5 km long depot entry.

Phase 2 will be developed after 2034, a 25 km line has been proposed on Airport Chowk to Manakpur Kallar (5 km) and ISBT Zirakpur to Pinjore (20 km), also with a mostly elevated network.